COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday
Quebecers coming back from vacation are asked to get tested if they think they may have been exposed
- Quebec reported 123 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths Monday. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 59,722 confirmed cases and 5,683 people have died.
- There are 172 people in hospital (no change), including 18 in intensive care (an increase of one). Here's a guide to the numbers.
- CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch.
- Having trouble keeping track of what has reopened? Consult our list.
As Quebecers return from vacation, the province's health minister is urging those who did not follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines while on holiday to get tested for the disease.
"If you know that distancing measures were not followed during your vacation, unfortunately you are at risk," said Health Minister Christian Dubé at a news conference Monday afternoon.
WATCH | Dubé says get tested if you were at risk of exposure while on vacation:
Starting today, Quebec is allowing indoor and outdoor public gatherings of up to 250 people.
Until now, only 50 people were allowed to gather at a time. The rule will apply to spaces such as movie theatres, sporting events and places of worship — but not to private gatherings at homes, which are still limited to 10 people.
Dubé said that "very strict standards" must be met for an indoor gathering of 250 people, which will be detailed later this week.
Dr. Horacio Arruda, the province's director of public health, said that the level of risk when indoors can vary widely, and that a large indoor public gathering is not necessarily riskier than other types of gatherings that are already allowed.
He said, for example, there would likely be a lower risk for 250 physically-distanced seated audience members at an opera in Place des Arts than a gathering at a private home where it is difficult to for people to leave space between each other.
"We don't hug much people when we are at an opera," he said.
In such gatherings, people are still asked to keep a safe distance and wear a mask — meaning any upcoming wedding, bat mitzvah or other kind of event will feel quite different.
That fact is hurting owners of Quebec's reception halls and large indoor venues.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- The Verdun Hospital is adding 36 private rooms for patients to reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in the event of a second wave.
- The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to lower the birth rate. Here's why that matters.
- A study shows more than half of teenage Quebecers have been less active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- No masks for students, for now: Quebec says it's sticking to its plan.
- The 2nd wave is coming. Here's what public health experts say we should expect.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever.
- New or worsening cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
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.
Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask 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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.
