COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Thursday
CBC News | Posted: March 11, 2021 11:36 AM | Last Updated: March 11, 2021
A year after start of pandemic, province holds memorial
- Quebec reported 738 new cases on Thursday and 15 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 295,390 confirmed cases and 10,518 people have died.
- There are 563 people in hospital (a decrease of 18), including 111 in intensive care (a decrease of one).
- 18,659 doses of vaccine were administered on Wednesday. A total of 619,060 people have been vaccinated since Dec. 14.
Premier François Legault wants Quebecers to remember those who died of COVID-19, people who, he said, were taken too soon.
Legault gave a speech at a ceremony outside Quebec's National Assembly building Thursday afternoon, meant to mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
"We lost grandpas and grandmas, dads, moms, brothers, sister, friends," the premier said, of a virus that hit the elderly particularly hard.
He also highlighted essential workers, such as people who worked in grocery stores, and commended health-care workers for their courage in treating patients infected with the disease.
"They were truly heroes and they continued for a year and they continue now," he said, adding that they are entitled to recognition for what they did.
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
- Montreal seniors knit colourful scarves to commemorate the lives lost in long-term care homes. of 251
- The family of a Montreal woman found dead on a hospital floor is seeking answers.
- Côte Saint-Luc grapples with Montreal's highest per capita COVID-19 case count
- Quebec community organizers warn that language, cultural barriers could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
- Here are some of the Quebec health professionals who are now administering vaccines.
- Families, athletes call for return of team sports in Quebec.
- In this opinion column, the writer argues COVID-19 has added to the educational barriers girls and women face around the world.
- Here's how to know if your kid has COVID — and what to expect if they do
- The first order of business after 103-year-old Stanley Sepchuk's COVID-19 vaccine was to grab a glass of wine.
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.
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.
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.