COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend
CBC News | Posted: November 14, 2020 1:12 PM | Last Updated: November 15, 2020
Daily count of coronavirus infections tops 1,400 for the first time on Saturday, setting a new record
- Quebec reported 1,211 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 more deaths on Sunday.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 123,854 confirmed cases and 6,626 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 587 people in hospital (an increase of four), including 89 in intensive care (an increase of seven).
- Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed? Consult our list.
- CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch.
Health Minister Christian Dubé said Sunday that while the decrease in the daily total of COVID-19 cases is encouraging, it should also be taken at face value.
The daily number of cases in Quebec topped 1,400 for the first time on Saturday. The death toll has also jumped over the past week — a total of 150 Quebecers died of the illness in the seven days ending Nov. 13.
On Sunday, the province recorded 1,211 new cases, but the situation is still fragile, Dubé said.
"We can't rejoice over 1,200 cases. [That's] still a lot of cases and we have to continue to bring that down."
He pointed out Sunday's reduction in overall cases can be attributed to decreases in places such as the Lanaudière and Mauricie regions, which have been trouble spots of late.
The spotlight remains focused on the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, where the number of new cases has exploded over the past two weeks and increased again on Sunday by 113.
The regional health authority says it will hire 10 to 20 new contact tracers and establish a new testing clinic in Jonquière, a borough of Saguenay.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Quebec premier mulls temporarily closing schools this winter to reduce spread of COVID-19.
- A second school lockdown may be workable for some parents, but it won't be for all.
- Quebec reveals its $1.5 billion plan to kickstart an economy struggling under COVID-19 restrictions.
- As winter approaches, Quebec has yet to produce plan for ventilation in classrooms.
- The death toll has again begun to rise, with more than 700 deaths since school began in late August.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever.
- New or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
- Gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, diarrhea).
If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic.
Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask is mandatory in enclosed public spaces across the province.
- Stay at least two metres away from other people as much as possible.
- Self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a stay outside the country.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.