COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Friday
CBC News | Posted: December 18, 2020 11:14 AM | Last Updated: December 18, 2020
Province is reporting more than 1,000 coronavirus hospitalizations
- Quebec reported 1,773 new cases of COVID-19 and 36 more deaths on Friday.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 172,801 confirmed cases and 7,671 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 1,011 people in hospital (an increase of nine) including 141 in intensive care (an increase of seven).
- A total of 896 doses of vaccine were administered on Wednesday, for a total of 3,305.
- 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.
For the first time since last spring, the province is reporting more than 1,000 coronavirus hospitalizations. That number has shot up in the last week.
Last Thursday, there were 871 people in hospital due to the virus.
The province is getting ready to ramp up its vaccination campaign, by expanding it to a total of 21 sites spread across 15 regions starting next week.
Health Minister Christian Dubé will provide an update at 1 p.m. He will be joined by Public Health Director, Dr. Horacio Arruda. You can watch it here.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Quebec schools, offices, non-essential businesses are closed until Jan. 11.
- Quebec's new lockdown is a harsh reminder that the COVID-19 end game is still several moves away.
- With COVID-19 vaccination underway, Quebec needs a better testing strategy to get virus under control.
- According to Quebec's ombudsman, the province failed to get CHSLDs ready for a pandemic.
- There are new rules to determine who receives life-saving care if health-care system is overwhelmed.
- What we know about Quebec's vaccine plans and what it means for 2021.
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.