COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Friday
CBC News | Posted: March 26, 2021 10:28 AM | Last Updated: March 26, 2021
Cases on the rise and vaccinations are too; premier inoculated this afternoon
- Quebec reported 950 new cases on Friday and seven deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 306,385 confirmed cases and 10,637 people have died.
- There are 481 people in hospital (a decrease of 15), including 115 in intensive care (a decrease of two).
- 54,951 doses of vaccine were administered on Thursday for a total of 1,380,295 since Dec. 14.
Quebec appears to be seeing another rise in COVID-19 cases just as the province loosens restrictions in red zones, but, soon after getting vaccinated on Friday, Premier François Legault staunchly defended his government's decisions.
"Regarding measures, we need to have a balance," Legault said. "If we want the population to follow the measures we have in place, we need to have a balance."
The province recorded 950 new cases on Friday, the most in more than a month.
In a briefing this morning Quebec's public health institute warned the next few months will not be easy, with variants projected to account for more than half of new cases in the province by early April.
Legault said the variants are worrisome and that is why it is essential that everybody who is eligible to get vaccinated, go and get their first shot as soon as possible. With more people 65 and up getting that crucial first shot, the government is betting that fewer people will end up in hospital. The province gave 54,951 doses on Thursday, a new daily record.
"It was expected to see an increase in the number of cases," Legault said, and the government is keeping a close eye on the situation and new measures may be introduced if needed.
Gyms and spas in red zones are allowed to reopen. In the Montreal area, they had been closed since October. All places of worship can welcome up to 250 people, depending on their capacity, but funerals and weddings will be limited to 25 people in orange and red zones.
The people in the Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands, the North Shore, and northern Quebec no longer have to deal with a curfew, as those areas are now designated as yellow zones.
Meanwhile, the Lower Saint-Lawrence is grappling with a growing spread of COVID-19 variants.
Starting today, all schools in the Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup service centre — about 18 in total — will be closed until April 5.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- As Quebec's economic recovery gallops ahead, many risk being left behind.
- COVID-19 variant barrels into Lower Saint-Lawrence region, sending young people to hospital.
- 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.