COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday
CBC News | Posted: May 20, 2021 10:47 AM | Last Updated: May 20, 2021
Province makes vaccine available to teens starting Friday and more widely next month
- Quebec reported 662 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and eight more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 365,642 confirmed cases and 11,066 people have died.
- There are 460 people in hospital (a decrease of six), including 107 in intensive care (a decrease of six).
- 93,314 vaccine doses were added, for a total of 4,636,679 since Dec. 14.
The Quebec government has unveiled vaccination plans for people between the ages of 12 and 17.
As of May 21, people aged 12-17 can go to drive-through clinics with their families.
As of May 25, they can book appointments through Clicsanté.
For two weeks in June, from June 7 through 18, vaccination campaigns will be organized with schools. In some cases, teams of vaccinators may arrive to inoculate students. Or, shuttle buses may take students to nearby vaccination centres.
Health Minister Christian Dubé says if students get vaccinated by mid-June, they will be ready for their second doses in August and that should mean a return to school under near normal conditions.
Indoor shows and festivals to resume
Starting on May 28, indoor shows will be allowed with assigned seating.
Up to 2,500 people will be allowed at indoor venues, but spectators will be divided into sub-groups of 250 people with their own entrance and exit points. Each group will also have its own bathrooms and a supervisor managing the crowd.
On June 25, outdoor shows will be allowed with a maximum of 2,500 people per stage and no assigned seating required. Festivals with several performances going on simultaneously must keep stages 500 metres apart.
The province recently unveiled its plan to gradually lift public health restrictions as of May 28.
Vaccinations at Gilles Villeneuve race track
There will be a pop-up vaccination clinic at the Gilles Villeneuve race track on Île Notre-Dame during three upcoming weekends.
On May 29 and 30, cyclists will be able to ride up for their shots.
Drivers will be able to drive through on June 5 and 6, and also June 12 and 13 but will have to make appointments. Health authorities say 1,000 doses of vaccine will be available each day.
Emergency measures lifted
Emergency COVID-19 measures will be lifted this Monday in all regions where they are in place.
Measures include a curfew that kicks in at 8 p.m instead of 9:30 p.m., as well as school closures. Non-essential businesses had also been ordered to close.
The news affects parts of the Beauce, the Lac-Mégantic region in the Eastern Townships and a section of the Lower Saint-Lawrence that includes Rivière-du-Loup.
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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.