COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Tuesday
Quebec health minister wants to see number of second dose appointments increase
- Quebec reported 323 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday and no new deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 382,319 confirmed cases and 11,242 people have died.
- There are 88 people in hospital (an increase of six), including 27 in intensive care (no change).
- 43,831 doses of vaccine were administered for a total of 11,857,273 doses administered in Quebec.
- 85 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age 12 and up) has received one dose of vaccine, and 74 per cent have received two doses.
COVID-19 data is no longer updated by Quebec's Health Ministry on weekends or on public holidays.
Quebec Premier François Legault is implementing more measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 as the fourth wave of the pandemic takes hold in the province.
On Tuesday, Legault announced that the government will require all health-care workers to be vaccinated.
"We can't afford to keep some staff in contact with patients if they are not vaccinated," said Legault at a news conference Tuesday afternoon. "I understand that this isn't an easy decision to make, but we will make vaccinations mandatory for health-care workers only."
Students in CEGEPs and universities will also be required to wear masks not only in common areas, but when seated in class, too.
Data change
The province's daily coronavirus update will now feature data regarding the vaccination status of those who tested positive against COVID-19 as well as those who have been admitted to hospital in recent weeks.
Dubé tweeted about the change on Monday.
According to the minister, 112,000 people have booked appointments to get their second doses in the next week — a number he says is too low.
"We have the capacity in terms of vaccines and availability (with or without appointments)," Dubé tweeted. "If we want to surpass our objectives, we have to go get the second dose."
The minister says there have been improvements in the amount of first doses administered among Quebecers in the 18-34 age range.
Seniors minister on medical leave
Marguerite Blais, the provincial minister responsible for seniors, is on medical leave. Blais is stepping away from her duties until the end of September.
Christian Dubé, the province's health minister, will take over her files in the interim.
WATCH | Legault says province is ready for fourth wave
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- Public health officials in Laval and Montreal worry about the emerging 4th wave.
- There won't be classroom bubbles or masks in class when Quebec students return this fall.
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- The pandemic forced many Quebecers out of jobs in the service industry. That may be a good thing.
- Canada was an outlier on mixing COVID-19 vaccines, but more countries now following suit.
- Quebec study aims to develop treatment for COVID-19 long-haulers.
- Pandemic travel restrictions are leaving children of temporary residents stranded abroad.
- Here's what Quebec can learn from other regions with vaccination passport systems.
- Why the delta variant is spreading so fast — and what that means for Canadians.
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.
You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.