COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday
CBC News | Posted: November 29, 2021 11:19 AM | Last Updated: November 29, 2021
Quebec confirms 1st case of omicron coronavirus variant
- Quebec reported 756 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and two new deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 447,387 confirmed cases and 11,576 people have died.
- There are 226 people in hospital (an increase of 10), including 45 in intensive care (a decrease of three).
- The province has administered 13,594,078 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including 22,048 doses in the last 24 hours.
- 85 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age five and up) has received one dose of vaccine, and 81 per cent has received two doses.
Note: Quebec's vaccination rate has been adjusted to include five- to 11-year-olds, causing the overall percentage to drop. Vaccinations for the group began on Wednesday.
Quebec's Health Ministry does not publish the number of vaccines administered on weekends and public holidays.
One case of the new omicron COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Quebec, the provincial government announced Monday.
Public Health Director Dr. Horacio Arruda, speaking at a news conference, said tests revealed the new strain in a woman who had recently returned from Nigeria.
This comes after two cases of variant, also from Nigeria, were confirmed in Ottawa. Those cases were found to have returned to the country through Montreal's airport.
The news comes two days after Canada implemented new travel restrictions on foreign nationals who had visited several countries in southern Africa over the preceding two weeks.
Health Minister Christian Dubé said that about 115 travellers from southern African countries were asked to take a new COVID-19 test and isolate.
The omicron variant was first identified by South African researchers and has provoked global concern.
In a statement released Sunday, Canada's Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the confirmation of two omicron cases is a signal that the country's monitoring system is working but to expect more cases of the variant.
In a tweet Sunday, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said the ministry is following the situation closely with the province's public health department (INSPQ) to observe the evolution of the variant in the province.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said border measures could change as the situation develops.
Busking resumes in Metro
Musicians can once again perform in the Metro, starting today.
For the first time in 20 months, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has authorized only five locations where musicians can play: three at Berri-UQAM, one at Guy-Concordia and one at Jean-Talon station. Artists will have to reserve a two-hour time slot online and wear a mask when performing unless they're playing a wind instrument.
For the first time in 20 months, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has authorized only five locations where musicians can play: three at Berri-UQAM, one at Guy-Concordia and one at Jean-Talon station. Artists will have to reserve a two-hour time slot online and wear a mask when performing unless they're playing a wind instrument.
Vaccinations for kids 5 to 11 in full swing
Vaccines will be administered in schools to children age five to 11 whose parents have signed consent forms, starting today.
Health Minister Christian Dubé thanked parents and families on Monday, saying that over a third of all children in the province have been vaccinated or have an appointment. He said about 20,000 children are getting vaccinated every day.
He said he expects those numbers to rise as the school campaign begins.
Quebec is hoping to give one dose to each eligible child by Christmas.
WATCH | Quebec's vaccine program for children explained:
Top COVID-19 stories
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- Quebec backs down again on mandatory vaccination in health network
- Vaccines won't be mandatory for teachers, school staff as Quebec COVID-19 situation improves
- Doctor convinced vaccine hesitant patient attendant to get her shot with patience and respect
- Take a look inside: How a Montreal hospital deals with ongoing staffing shortages
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.