COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Friday
Across the province, vaccination now open to those 65 and over
- Quebec reported 764new caseson Friday and 11 more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been300,916confirmed cases and10,587people have died.
- There are504people in hospital (adecrease of 15), including 99in intensive care (adecrease of two).
- 38,459doses ofvaccine were administered on Thursdayfor atotal of 872,459sinceDec. 14.
The Quebec government is askingbusinesses to lend a hand in the vaccination effort.
Health MinisterChristian Dubsaysthe province hopes to sign up 20 to 50 large companies that will each be able to vaccinate 15,000 to 25,000 people over a number of weeks, when shipments of doses increases significantly in May and June.
The health-care network is equipped to handle the 35,000 to 45,000 doses per day that will be available in March and April, hesaid. (The province set a new record Thursday with 38,459 doses given.)
But, as with the province's use of pharmacies to widen the vaccination program's reach, the addition of businesses will further complement existing resources.
As of now, all Quebecers who are 65 and older are eligible to book appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine. So far,more than 830,000 vaccine doses have been administered.
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.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- The governmentwill face hurdles in its attempt to vaccinate nearly every Quebecer by June 24
- The province's physicians and nurses say government needs to tighten screws on private CHSLDs.
- AstraZeneca says its vaccine review found no evidence of increased blood clot risks.
- Gyms and spas to reopen in COVID red zonesbut don't expect your spin class to resume.
- The Canada-U.S. border's been shut down for a year and there's no reopening plan.
- Their jobs are essential, but protesting workers in Montreal say wages, treatment suggest otherwise.
- Robbed of saying a proper goodbye, families mourn those they lost to 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.
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.