COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Tuesday
CBC News | Posted: December 8, 2020 11:14 AM | Last Updated: December 8, 2020
As case numbers and hospitalizations remain high, premier not ruling out further restrictions
- Quebec reported 1,564 new cases of COVID-19 and 36 more deaths on Tuesday.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 154,740 confirmed cases and 7,313 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 835 people in hospital (an increase of 17) including 114 in intensive care (an increase of nine).
- 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 Premier François Legault isn't ruling out the possibility of shutting down stores or implementing further restrictions, as the province reports more than 1,500 cases for the fourth consecutive day.
At a news conference Tuesday morning, Legault said he has no plans to go beyond the current closures of restaurant dining rooms, gyms, bars, movie theatres and museums, before adding that he is watching the situation closely.
"First, it's very important that all Quebecers respect the measures, the restrictions," said Legault. "We already have measures. Do we have to have measures, for example, in the retail business? We don't exclude that."
Some experts have called for a "circuit-breaker" shutdown during the holiday period to reverse the rising case numbers.
Vaccinations coming
Quebec's COVID-19 vaccination plan is beginning to take shape, but Health Minister Christian Dubé is urging Quebecers to respect public health guidelines and not let their guard down.
Vaccinations are expected to begin next Monday with the arrival of the first 4,000 doses from Pfizer. Tens of thousands more would follow in the weeks after.
The next batch of vaccines will arrive in the province between Dec. 21 and Jan. 4, which Dubé said would allow for the vaccination of between 22,000 and 28,000 people.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Quebec experts call for 'circuit-breaker' lockdown as coronavirus spreads.
- Quebec hospitals are being ordered to scale back surgeries due to surge in COVID-19 cases.
- The pandemic is taking a toll on Quebec's collective mental health. Here's what you can do about it.
- Quebec cancels plan to allow Christmas gatherings as COVID-19 surges.
- How Quebec is finally using rapid testing to screen for COVID-19.
- How COVID-19 vaccines are being approved in Canada.
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.