COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend
CBC News | Posted: February 13, 2021 3:02 PM | Last Updated: February 14, 2021
Ambitious vaccination campaign begins in Nunavik
- Quebec reported 910 new cases on Sunday and 15 more deaths. Two previously reported deaths are no longer attributed to COVID-19.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 276,790 confirmed cases and 10,214 people have died.
- There are 805 people in hospital (a decrease of seven), including 132 in intensive care (an increase of two).
- 1,561 doses of vaccine were administered on Saturday. A total of 293,944 doses have been administered since Dec. 14, accounting for three per cent of the population.
- Businesses and other services are gradually reopening. Here's a list of what is open, and what is still closed.
Public health authorities in Quebec's north are beginning an ambitious campaign to vaccinate most of the population in the region against COVID-19. They want to vaccinate at least three quarters of the 14,000 residents of Nunavik in three weeks.
Thousands of doses of the Moderna vaccine arrived in the community of Kuujjuaq earlier this week. From there, they'll be distributed to to Nunavik's 14 Inuit communities in one of the largest vaccination campaigns the Nunavik region has ever seen.
Teams will visit the communities one after another, and set up in local community halls, gyms and health clinics to administer the vaccines.
Meanwhile, advocates say people with Down syndrome need to be given higher priority for vaccination in Quebec.
People with Down syndrome are currently in the eighth of 10 groups in Quebec listed as priority cohorts, described as people under the age of 60 with chronic health conditions or health problems that place them at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Some studies have shown people with Down syndrome are more vulnerable to COVID-19 — four times more likely to be hospitalized due to the disease and 10 times more likely to die from it.
Other provinces have moved people with significant disabilities higher up on their priority lists. Groups in Quebec are pushing for the government here to do the same.
If you have been feeling isolated, we've compiled some ways to help cope as part of a special CBC Quebec project called Out of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Families of residents who died at CHSLD Herron are skeptical of the province's public inquiry.
- Quebec is scrambling to stay ahead of the spread of new COVID-19 variants.
- Finally reopening, museums look to give a boost to a weary public.
- The first report cards are in for Quebec students, and the results are worrisome.
- Quebec health minister orders external investigation into Manoir Liverpool residence.
- The pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on women.
- Should I wear a mask outdoors? Your COVID-19 questions answered
- Quebec signing more contracts with private clinics to help clear surgery waitlists.
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.