COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Wednesday
CBC News | Posted: December 2, 2020 11:21 AM | Last Updated: December 2, 2020
Premier is considering banning gatherings during holidays due to surge in cases
- Quebec reported 1,514 new cases of COVID-19 and 43 more deaths on Wednesday, while two previously reported deaths are no longer attributed to COVID-19.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 145,062 confirmed cases and 7,125 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 740 people in hospital (an increase of 21), including 99 in intensive care (an increase of one).
- 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.
Quebec has reached a new, grim milestone, recording more than 1,500 cases of COVID-19 in a single day for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
On Wednesday, the province reported 1,514 new infections and 43 deaths.
The record total comes as Quebec Premier François Legault is considering scrapping the province's plan to allow Christmas gatherings due to a recent surge in cases, deaths and hospitalizations.
The province is reporting that 740 people are in hospital due to the coronavirus.
Legault is giving himself until Dec. 11 to make a final decision.
"The number of hospitalizations, if it continues to grow like we see at the moment, unfortunately it won't be possible," Legault said during a news conference Tuesday.
The government is also worried about a growing number of outbreaks in private seniors residences (RPA), particularly in the Quebec City region.
Legault says people who live in RPAs have more freedom to leave their facility and come back and he's asking residents and staff to be careful.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- A majority of Canadians are open to getting COVID-19 vaccine, but many want to wait.
- Quebec's premier says holiday gatherings may need to be cancelled.
- The Maimonides Geriatric Centre transferred most of its patients with COVID-19 to local hospitals.
- The federal government has extended existing international travel restrictions until Dec. 21 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Your scarf is not a facemask — and other COVID-19 winter rules from Montreal Public Health.
- The province is expected to announce guidelines this week for holiday gatherings involving seniors living in long-term care homes.
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.