COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Wednesday - Action News
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COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Wednesday

The surge in hospitalizations continues, as the province reports more than 1,500 cases for the sixth time in seven days. Here's what you need to know.

Emergency measures in Quebec City extended, will also apply to all of Outaouais and Chaudire-Appalaches

On Tuesday, the province reported that it had administered more than two million vaccine doses since the start of the campaign. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press)
  • Quebec reported1,559new caseson Wednesday and sevenmore deaths.
  • Since the start of the pandemic, there have been331,031confirmed cases and10,763people have died.
  • There are 660people in hospital (an increase of 17), including 152in intensive care (an increase of two).
  • 68,192vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours for atotal of 2,075,808sinceDec. 14.

For weeks, the increase in the number of cases did not appear to have a major effect on the number of people in hospital because of the virus. Today, Quebec's health minister says, that is no longer the case.

Last Thursday, the province reported 543 hospitalizations. The latest total is 660.

"The rise in cases in recent days is now affecting our hospitalizations,"Health MinisterChristian Dubwrote on Twitter Wednesday.

As a result, some Quebec City hospitals have had to cancel medical procedures this week.

The strictest public health restrictions in the province will remain in place in Quebec Cityuntil at least April 25, and they will also be applied to more municipalities.

Initially, the measurestargeted Quebec City, Lvis and Gatineau. On Tuesday, the premier said the spread of the virus justified imposing the restrictions on all of Outaouais and Chaudire-Appalaches.

That means schools as well as all non-essential businesses will remain closed and the curfew willtake effect at 8 p.m.

Avoid ERs in Montreal

In a rare move, all five health authorities on the Montreal island are urging people to avoid going to emergency rooms. They say ERs are packed and they're asking the population to go to a clinic or call their family doctor if they have minor problems.

As of this morning, the average occupation rate in ERs across the island was at 114 per cent.

Vaccination for people with chronic illnesses

People across Quebec who are60 and youngerand have high-risk chronic illnesses and receive treatments or consult their doctors in hospital areable to book their vaccine appointments. Eligible people who are not able to get the vaccine at a hospital can also get their shot at a pharmacy.

The full list of criteria and guidelinesis available here.

Top COVID-19 stories today

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 call18776444545to 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.

Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Wear a mask or face coveringwhen 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 provincehereand information on the situation in Montrealhere.

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