COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Tuesday
CBC News | Posted: May 11, 2021 10:18 AM | Last Updated: May 11, 2021
Vaccination appointments now open to Quebecers aged 25 and up
- Quebec reported 660 new cases on Tuesday and nine more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 359,456 confirmed cases and 11,002 people have died.
- There are 540 people in hospital (a decrease of three), including 128 in intensive care (an increase of five).
- 63,042 vaccine doses were administered for a total of 3,884,493 since Dec. 14.
People in Quebec aged 25 and up can now make an appointment to get their first dose of vaccine. They will be offered Pfizer or Moderna shots.
To make an appointment, go to Clic Santé.
Premier François Legault says the province is on track to have a better summer than the last, given the rising rate of vaccinations and the declining case count of COVID-19.
"We are making it through the third wave," Legault said, adding that the province is "heading in the right direction."
The emergency restrictions imposed on the Outaouais region will be lifted next Monday, he said.
However, heightened measures will remain in place in parts of Chaudière-Appalaches, except for Rimouski, where they will end Monday.
Measures will also remain in place in parts of the Lower Saint-Lawrence and the Eastern Townships.
A full list of the restrictions is available on the government's website.
Dr. Horacio Arruda, the province's public health director, didn't offer specifics on a timeline for reopening Montreal and other areas under the tightest restrictions, but said it would be announced soon.
He said the plan would be based on the rate of vaccination and level of transmission.
WATCH | Legault cautions against Ontarians crossing into Quebec
Vaccination opens to young adults
Health Minister Christian Dubé called on young adults to get vaccinated in an open letter published today, as appointments opened to those 25 and older.
Dubé said on Twitter that the beginning of the province's so-called "youth week" has been successful, with 50 per cent of those 30 to 34 having secured an appointment since Monday.
In an open letter posted to Facebook, Dubé said he knows the past year has been difficult for young adults who have made remarkable sacrifices to protect the most vulnerable and the health-care system.
He said he recognizes that young people's mental health has taken a toll, as they have been relegated to distance learning and those in the hotel, restaurant and culture sectors have lost jobs.
11,000 have died
The number of daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain stable, but the province now finds itself with a death toll of more than 11,000 people since the start of the pandemic.
Two months ago today, the province held a ceremony to mourn the loss of 10,518 Quebecers.Since then, the virus has killed 484 people — an average of eight per day — a rate lower than other moments during the pandemic, even though it is still claiming lives.
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- 4th wave of COVID-19 likely if Canada reopens too fast — and seasonal return may be inevitable.
- Sleepaway camps are allowed to open this summer, with measures in place.
- Quebec will allow sleepaway camps to operate this summer.
- Quebec aims to offer COVID-19 vaccine to teens before end of school year.
- Here's how Montreal has so far avoided a disastrous 3rd wave.
- How a school outbreak in a small Gaspé town has almost a fifth of residents isolating.
- The debate over vaccine passports is here.
- Young people forced to get creative as COVID-19 disrupts summer job plans yet again.
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, vomiting).
- Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
- Generalized muscle pain.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
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 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.