COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend
CBC News | Posted: February 27, 2021 2:22 PM | Last Updated: February 28, 2021
Province to enlist the help of pharmacists with vaccination campaign this spring
- Quebec reported 737 new cases on Sunday and nine more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 287,740 confirmed cases and 10,393 people have died. One death was removed from the total because it is no longer considered attributable to COVID-19.
- There are 601 people in hospital (an increase of two), including 117 in intensive care (an increase of five).
- 12,469 doses of vaccine were administered on Saturday. A total of 432,255 doses have been administered since Dec. 14.
The province is working to accelerate its mass vaccination campaign, with the goal of administering 12 million doses by the beginning of September. To reach that goal, the government is turning to the private sector for help.
On Wednesday, the province signed a deal in principle to allow pharmacists to inject people, as early as mid-March or as late as mid-April, depending on deliveries.
So far, 1,500 pharmacies have signaled their desire to participate and there are 3,000 registered pharmacists in Quebec who would be able to do administer the vaccine.
In the meantime, Montreal is expanding its vaccination program to include members of the general public aged 80 and over. The city's campaign is set to get underway Monday.
To reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can go on the online portal quebec.ca/covidvaccine. You can also call 1-877-644-4545.
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
- Your questions answered about Quebec's vaccination campaign.
- Why AstraZeneca vaccine approval in Canada may open more doors.
- Second Opinion: Why we need to rethink COVID-19 risk as the weather warms up.
- Quebec movie theatres are now allowed to reopen, but not all of them will.
- Hotel pools to remain closed in red zones during Quebec's March break.
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.