COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday
CBC News | Posted: May 21, 2021 10:21 AM | Last Updated: May 21, 2021
Province gears up to vaccinate people between the ages of 12 and 17
- Quebec reported 752 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and nine more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 366,394 confirmed cases and 11,075 people have died.
- There are 437 people in hospital (a decrease of 23), including 106 in intensive care (a decrease of one).
- 110,513 more people have received a dose of vaccine, for a total of 4,747,192 since Dec. 14.
The Quebec government is making a push to vaccinate people between the ages of 12 and 17, in time for a return to school under normal conditions next fall.
As of today, the government said people aged 12-17 could go to drive-through clinics with their families. Those clinics are located at Montreal's Trudeau Airport and the Gilles Villeneuve race track (which will be open over three weekends starting May 29).
However, at the airport clinic, a sign posted on Friday indicates that only adults can be vaccinated because they are giving out Moderna, which is not cleared for use in teens.
A spokesperson for the Health Ministry told CBC that the airport site is mostly administering Moderna and they are working to get shipments of Pfizer to the airport so people under 18 can be accommodated.
Vaccination at the airport clinic is by appointment only.
As of next Tuesday, children 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.
One week until end of curfew
As of next Friday, the province is expected to begin gradually lifting public health restrictions across the province, starting with the end of the curfew.
Other newfound freedoms will include:
- Eating on patios and decks outside of restaurants.
- Outdoor gatherings of up to eight people on private property.
- Travel between regions of Quebec.
- Up to 2,500 people in a large theatre or arena.
Registering vaccines from out of province
On Thursday, the province released information on how people who received a vaccine dose outside of Quebec can get electronic proof of vaccination and schedule their second dose within the province.
According to a government news release, several vaccination centres per region have been designated for the registration of vaccines administered outside Quebec.
People will be asked to make an appointment at one of these centres and bring proof of their vaccination from elsewhere. Once validated, the information will be added to the Registre de vaccination du Québec.
Time to end public health emergency, PQ says
On March 14, 2020, Premier François Legault declared a public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Parti Québécois says the CAQ government has been making decisions by decree for more than a year, and it needs to outline a plan to lift the public health order. The PQ says waiting until the end of the pandemic to do makes no sense.
The public health emergency gives the government powers such as making purchases without going to tender and hiring back retired nurses quickly and without undue paperwork.
WATCH | Here's how vaccines leaving a foreign factory are administered safely here
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- Quebec's re-opening plan brings some much-needed hope, and some risks.
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- A drive-through vaccination clinic opens at Montreal airport.
- Why Canada's big bets on delaying, mixing doses could be paying off.
- Canada is at a turning point in the pandemic and there's reason for hope — even in lockdown.
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.