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

Quebec's premier says a recent reduction in the number of daily cases is encouraging, and shows that public health measures, including the overnight curfew, are working. However, he insists it's too early for Quebecers to let up in their efforts. Here's what you need to know.

Premier urges federal government to shut down all non-essential travel

CBC News Posted: Jan 20, 2021 6:26 AM EST | Last Updated: January 20, 2021

People line up at a COVID-19 testing clinic. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 1,502new caseson Wednesdayand 66more deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been247,236confirmed cases and 9,208people have died.
There are 1,467people in hospital (adecrease of 33), including 216in intensive care (an increase of four).
10,207doses ofvaccine were administered on Tuesday. A total of 174,260doses have been administered since Dec. 14.
CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.

The number of daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Quebec has gonedown in recent days, and the premier says public health measures, including the overnight curfew, are starting to pay off.

The four-week curfew came into effect 11 days ago.

"By avoiding visiting, among others, people that are 65 in homes, it's reduced the number of cases," Premier Franois Legault said during Tuesday's news conference, while highlighting that the number of people in hospital due to the virus remains high. "It's encouraging but we cannot stop our efforts."

The province reported 1,502cases in its latest daily update.

Wanting to keep cases trending downwards, Legaultis putting pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to immediately ban all non-essential travel, adding "we can talk about what non-essential means."

The province's Health Ministry has announced changes to its vaccination campaign, including a reduction in the number of doses to be administered by Feb. 8.

Pfizer's delivery slowdown forces Quebec to adjust vaccination targets

Citing threat from COVID-19 variants, Quebec calls on Ottawa to ban vacation travel

Meanwhile,the pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and experts say it's important to remember that there is a lot right now that is beyond our control.

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

Quebec's new public health regulations explained

4 years ago

3:53

As Quebec descends into its first quarantine curfew since the era of the Spanish flu, there are more rules to follow and fewer opportunities to bend them undetected.

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.

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