COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday
CBC News | Posted: November 26, 2020 11:13 AM | Last Updated: November 26, 2020
Quebec premier says holiday plan stays in place for now, but that could change if numbers climb
- Quebec reported 1,464 new cases of COVID-19 and 32 more deaths on Thursday.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 136,894 confirmed cases and 6,947 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 675 people in hospital (an increase of 20), including 90 in intensive care (a decrease of three).
- 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.
There were 1,464 new cases reported in Quebec on Thursday, only four weeks away from what could be the start of a four-day holiday gathering window.
Premier François Legault has said people are allowed to get together in groups of up to 10 people, twice, between Dec. 24 and Dec. 27. But on Thursday, he also reiterated the allowance for gatherings could be cancelled altogether if the situation worsens.
"If our numbers increase too much, we won't allow gatherings," Legault said.
"We're following the situation every day."
Legault is strongly encouraging people to be extra vigilant in the week leading up to Christmas, and the week after to reduce the risk. He said people should stay home if they can, and follow public health guidelines at work if they can't stay home.
Health Minister Christian Dubé said the province is still hashing out its plans for visiting long-term care home residents over the holidays. He said it is not likely residents will be allowed to leave the homes to visit their family.
More than 190 Quebecers have died due to COVID-19 in little more than a week, including 32 deaths being reported today along with a record number of cases.
The caseload in Montreal appears to have stabilized, but hospitalizations are on the rise, according to local public health officials.
Thursday was a single-day record for the number of cases reported in Quebec, but case numbers have previously been revised at later dates by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ).
Top COVID-19 stories today
- What will a COVID-19 vaccination campaign look like in Quebec?
- Families are anxiously waiting to see if they can gather with their loved ones in long-term care.
- There's concern as Maimonides Geriatric Centre sees another spike in COVID-19 cases.
- AstraZeneca says late-stage trials of its COVID-19 vaccine were 'highly effective' in preventing disease.
- Quebecers can have some holiday cheer if they quarantine before and after Christmas.
- Public health officials are dealing with a major COVID-19 outbreak at a Quebec City convent.
- Quebec opens the door to gatherings of up to 250 people in red zones.
- Most Canadians could be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of next year.
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.