COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday
CBC News | Posted: August 27, 2021 10:14 AM | Last Updated: August 27, 2021
Latest COVID-19 case total is province's highest in more than 3 months
- Quebec reported 612 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and no new deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 387,230 confirmed cases and 11,285 people have died.
- There are 126 people in hospital (an increase of seven), including 36 in intensive care (no change).
- 35,336 doses of vaccine were administered for a total of 12,227,291 doses administered in Quebec.
- 86 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age 12 and up) has received one dose of vaccine, and 78 per cent have received two doses.
The number of people in Quebec hospitals due to COVID-19 is steadily increasing, going from 87 to 126 in the last week.
During that time, ICU admissions went from 30 to 36.
Today's caseload — 612 — is the province's highest single-day number since May 21.
The latest projections from the province's health institute (INESSS) show hospitalizations will continue to climb, but there isn't a risk of reaching capacity in the next three weeks.
According to the institute's latest data, young children are driving the recent increase in infections. Between Aug. 14 and Aug. 20, there was a 56-per-cent jump in confirmed cases among those who are 12 and younger.
As the caseload gets heavier, MNAs at Quebec's National Assembly are debating about mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 for health-care workers as well as for other public employees who work closely with people.
Passport is coming
In less than a week, Quebecers will need to show proof they are adequately vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to go to restaurants, bars, gyms and take part in a slew of other non-essential public activities.
The VaxiCode apps — one for people seeking entry into a public place, and the other allowing businesses to verify customers' proof of vaccination — are now available for download on Apple's App Store.
The app should be in the Google Play Store in the coming days. The vaccination passport system takes effect on Sept. 1
For a full breakdown of the vaccination passport works, and where it will apply, click here.
Top COVID-19 stories
- Quebec hospital staff wearing down as the unvaccinated crowd ICUs.
- Cybersecurity experts say Quebec's vaccine passport is safe, and a model for the country.
- How Quebec's vaccine passport will work, and where it will apply.
- Masks will now be mandatory in classrooms for most Quebec students this fall
- Quebec mandates vaccinations for all health-care workers and masks in post-secondary schools.
- Quebec could soon allow some 11-year-olds to get COVID-19 vaccine
- Why it's now more likely you'll face coronavirus — even if you're vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Will Quebec's vaccine passport plan help the province stave off another 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.