COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Thursday
Elementary schools and high schools in Quebec closed until Jan. 11
- Quebec reported 1,855 new cases of COVID-19 and 22 more deaths on Thursday.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 171,028 confirmed cases and 7,635 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 1,002 people in hospital (an increase of 27) including 134 in intensive care (an increase of six).
- A total of 969 doses of vaccine were administered on Wednesday, for a total of 2,582.
- 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.
After kicking off its COVID-19 vaccination campaign in two long-term care homes, the province is getting ready to widen its distribution, with a total of 21 sites starting next week.
Fifteen regions will have at least one vaccination site, including a total of eight in the Montreal, Laval and Montérégie regions.
Across Quebec, elementary schools and high schools are now closed until Jan. 11, with students expected to keep up with class work online.
Several regions in the province are now subject to tougher COVID-19 restrictions, as yellow zones have been upgraded to orange, and orange zones to red, the highest alert level.
Saguenay and the Laurentians are among the regions that have become red zones, with restaurant dining rooms, bars, gyms, museums and theatres forced to shut down as a result.
This change is one of the several measures announced by the Legault government in an effort to reverse the worrisome trend in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Quebec's new lockdown is a harsh reminder that the COVID-19 end game is still several moves away.
- With COVID-19 vaccination underway, Quebec needs a better testing strategy to get virus under control.
- According to Quebec's ombudsman, the province failed to get CHSLDs ready for a pandemic.
- There are new rules to determine who receives life-saving care if health-care system is overwhelmed.
- What we know about Quebec's vaccine plans and what it means for 2021.
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.
