COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Tuesday
CBC News | Posted: March 23, 2021 10:19 AM | Last Updated: March 23, 2021
As of Monday, Secondary 3, 4 and 5 students in red zones will be able to attend school in-person full time
- Quebec reported 656 new cases on Tuesday and four more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 303,707 confirmed cases and 10,618 people have died.
- There are 519 people in hospital (an increase of six), including 113 in intensive care (an increase of one).
- 26,040 doses of vaccine were administered on Monday for a total of 993,102 since Dec. 14.
Premier François Legault is asking Quebecers to stay the course for the foreseeable future.
He said COVID-19 cases have stabilized of late, which proves the measures the province has put in place are working.
But in order to stave off a third wave, people need to continue following the rules, he said.
He also warned people in the Outaouais and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions to reduce their contacts. Both those areas have seen an increase in cases over the last few days and are on the verge of becoming red zones.
He announced that as of Monday, Secondary 3, 4 and 5 students who live in red zones will be able to attend school in-person full time. Right now, they alternate daily between being at school and online learning.
As of yesterday, their counterparts in orange zones returned to full-time in-person schooling.
Dr. Horacio Arruda, the province's public health director, said there is a risk of outbreaks in schools, but they can be contained. The decision is about trying to strike a balance, he said.
"We think there are higher risks of problems with staying at home, failing school and mental health [compared] to the risk" of outbreaks, he said.
Starting tomorrow, dining rooms can reopen in seniors' homes where at least 75 per cent of residents have been vaccinated. The premier said the vaccines have to have been given at least three weeks ago.
On the vaccination front, by day's end, more than one million shots of COVID-19 vaccines will have been administered in the province.
Montrealers over the age of 60 can now register for a shot — and that includes the premier. Legault said he will get his shot Friday in Montreal.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- After a difficult year on the job, this paramedic is finding ways to cope with stress.
- The government will face hurdles in its attempt to vaccinate nearly every Quebecer by June 24.
- Montreal clinic hopes to find answers for COVID 'long haulers'
- Gyms and spas to reopen in COVID red zones but don't expect your spin class to resume.
- The province's physicians and nurses say government needs to tighten screws on private CHSLDs.
- AstraZeneca says its vaccine review found no evidence of increased blood clot risks.
- The Canada-U.S. border's been shut down for a year — and there's no reopening plan.
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.