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

• Quebec reported 806new caseson Wednesday and 17more deaths. One previously reported death is no longer attributed to COVID-19.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been284,472confirmed cases and10,346people have died.
• There are655people in hospital (adecrease of 25), including130in intensive care (an increase of 10).
• 8,807 doses ofvaccine were administered on Tuesday. A total of 376,910doses have been administered sinceDec. 14.

Quebecers born in 1936 or earlier can reserve their spot for a COVID-19 vaccine starting tomorrow, and they can get their shot as early as next week.

Theycan reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine starting tomorrowthrough the onlineportalquebec.ca/covidvaccineor by phone at 1-877-644-4545.

The government will make exceptions for some people who were born after 1936.

Dr. Mylne Drouin, head of Montreal public health, said the situation is improving in the city,but the rise of the variant first reported in the U.K. is a concern because of how contagious it is.Since January, there have been 22 outbreaks related to variants in Montreal, she said.

All tests are now scanned for possible variants, and currently about eight to 10 per cent of positive cases are of that more contagious strain, Drouin said during a news briefing Wednesday.

Quebec is expected to make pediatric procedural masks mandatory in elementary schools in red zones after March break.

If you have been feelingisolated, we'vecompiledsome ways to help copeas part ofa special CBC Quebec project calledOut of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.

Out of the Dark: Small steps

4 years ago

Duration 0:59

Young people are often expected to be the most resilient. That can make it tricky to know what to do if youre having a hard time.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• Quebec primary students will be required to wear masks after March break.

• Elderly Quebecers are looking forward to COVID-19 vaccine, but they have questions they want answered.

• Here's where returning Quebecers will have to quarantine, on their own dime.

• Provincial modelling says Quebec can cope with coronavirus variants if people follow the rules.

• Liberal MNA, who was at National Assembly last week, tests positive for COVID-19.

• 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.

  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.