COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Thursday
CBC News | Posted: September 9, 2021 10:26 AM | Last Updated: September 9, 2021
Hospitalizations have tripled in last month; fivefold increase in ICU patients during same period
- Quebec reported 703 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and one new death.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 395,155 confirmed cases and 11,297 people have died.
- There are 198 people in hospital (an increase of 20), including 70 in intensive care (a decrease of one).
- 25,737 vaccine doses administered were reported on Thursday for a total of 12,543,668 doses administered in Quebec.
- 87 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age 12 and up) has received one dose of vaccine, and 81 per cent have received two doses.
With a little more than a month remaining until unvaccinated health-care staff in Quebec are subject to suspensions without pay, tens of thousands of workers are still not adequately protected against COVID-19.
According to the province's Health Ministry, 92 per cent of workers in the public sector have received one dose and 88 per cent have received two.
That translates to roughly 25,800 public health-care staff who are not adequately vaccinated. In the private system, the total is about 30,000.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Health Minister Christian Dubé announced they would be suspended without pay as of Oct. 15, if they do not get the required shots.
Premier François Legault also highlighted the recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations as a key reason for this new policy.
In the last month, the number of people in hospital due to the virus has more than tripled — going from 55 to 178.
During that same period, the number of people receiving intensive care has increased fivefold, going from 14 to 71.
WATCH | Quebec takes a hard line against unvaccinated health workers
Getting used to vaccination passport
It's been a week since Quebecers began scanning their VaxiCode app in order to gain entry into a long list of businesses and non-essential activities.
Although the passports are now required, strict enforcement of the new rules won't begin until Sept. 15.
If you need help understanding how the passport applies and where it will be used, go here.
WATCH | We tested out Quebec's vaccine passport on its first day:
Top COVID-19 stories
- As pandemic raged in CHSLD Herron, a Montreal health official called police for help.
- Everything you need to know about Quebec's vaccine passport.
- How Quebec's vaccine passport will free the vaccinated, and limit the unvaccinated.
- Kahnawake moves to Red Alert status, as active COVID-19 cases double in 2 days
- From mu to C.1.2, here are the latest coronavirus variants scientists are watching closely.
- McGill professors, students protest for stricter COVID-19 measures on first day of class.
- Quebec hospital staff wearing down as the unvaccinated crowd ICUs.
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
- 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.