COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Wednesday
CBC News | Posted: August 18, 2021 10:30 AM | Last Updated: August 18, 2021
Government to propose suspension without pay for health-care workers who don't meet vaccination requirements
- Quebec reported 436 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and one new death (the person died prior to Aug.11).
- The province is also attributing 35 other deaths to COVID-19. They occurred in the Mauricie region prior to March 21, 2021
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 382,755 confirmed cases and 11,278 people have died.
- There are 88 people in hospital (no change), including 28 in intensive care (an increase of one).
- 42,568 doses of vaccine were administered for a total of 11,899,841 doses administered in Quebec.
- 85 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age 12 and up) has received one dose of vaccine, and 74 per cent have received two doses.
COVID-19 data is no longer updated by Quebec's Health Ministry on weekends or on public holidays.
The Quebec government says it will suspend health-care workers without pay if they don't meet the province's vaccination requirements.
On Tuesday, Premier François Legault announced that the government will make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all health-care workers.
The mandate would apply to any health care worker who comes into "direct contact with vulnerable people for 15 minutes or more," said Dr. Horacio Arruda, the province's public health director.
Unions representing health-care workers have expressed concern the vaccine mandate could worsen the labour shortage in the sector.
Students in CEGEPs and universities will also be required to wear masks not only in common areas, but when seated in class, too.
Province backtracks on plans for large concert
The Quebec government is cancelling its plans to hold a large concert in Quebec City next month.
The province wanted to use the concert as a test run, with the goal of developing COVID-19 protocols for music festivals.
It was to be held next month on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City
In a statement, Caroline Proulx, the province's tourism minister, said cancelling the concert was a "responsible decision."
"With a fourth wave gaining steam and the ever present threat of the delta variant, the conditions are not right to go ahead with this event," said Proulx.
The concert would have cost the government up to $3 million.
Seniors minister on medical leave
Marguerite Blais, the provincial minister responsible for seniors, is on medical leave. Blais is stepping away from her duties until the end of September.
Christian Dubé, the province's health minister, will take over her files in the interim.
WATCH | Legault says province is ready for fourth wave
Top COVID-19 stories
- Public health officials in Laval and Montreal worry about the emerging 4th wave.
- There won't be classroom bubbles or masks in class when Quebec students return this fall.
- No doubt' Canada now in 4th wave of COVID-19 as cases spike across much of the country
- The pandemic forced many Quebecers out of jobs in the service industry. That may be a good thing.
- Canada was an outlier on mixing COVID-19 vaccines, but more countries now following suit.
- Quebec study aims to develop treatment for COVID-19 long-haulers.
- Pandemic travel restrictions are leaving children of temporary residents stranded abroad.
- Here's what Quebec can learn from other regions with vaccination passport systems.
- Why the delta variant is spreading so fast — and what that means for Canadians.
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.