COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday
Quebec's health minister heads to hard-hit Saguenay region, all of Eastern Townships turning red
- Quebec reported 1,169 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 more deaths on Monday. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 115,989 confirmed cases and 6,455 people have died.
- There are 540 people in hospital (an increase of 13), including 76 in intensive care (a decrease of one).
- Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed? Consult our list.
- 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.
Health Minister Christian Dubé travelled to Saguenay on Monday to urge residents to follow the public health guidelines.
The region was largely unaffected by the first wave, but has seen a rise in cases over the past week, posting more than 100 cases a day for several days.
At a news conference, Dubé urged residents to follow the example of Quebec City, which not long ago was a hot spot but has succeeded in curbing the spread of the virus.
All of the Eastern Townships is becoming a red zone. The Health Ministry announced Monday afternoon the Estrie administrative region would become a red zone as of Thursday midnight.
The two other regions the Eastern Townships overlaps, the Chaudière-Appalaches and Montérégie regions are also red.
Across the province, the number of cases has remained stubbornly high. There were 1,397 cases on Sunday, the highest daily total since the start of the pandemic, and another 1,169 on Monday.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- This is how some businesses and schools are dealing with airborne COVID-19 and preparing for a winter indoors.
- Despite masks and social distancing measures, kids are still catching colds. What's going on?
- Experts say the province should have done more in schools to stave off the second wave of COVID-19.
- Quebec ski hills are expecting snowbirds to stay put, and flock to the province's slopes.
- Here's everything you need to know about getting the flu shot this year.
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).
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.
