COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Thursday
A year after start of pandemic, province holds memorial
- Quebec reported 738new caseson Thursday and 15more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been295,390confirmed cases and10,518people have died.
- There are563people in hospital (adecrease of 18), including 111in intensive care (adecrease of one).
- 18,659doses ofvaccine were administered on Wednesday. A total of 619,060people have been vaccinatedsinceDec. 14.
Premier Franois Legault wants Quebecers to remember those who died of COVID-19, people who, he said, were taken too soon.
Legault gave a speech at a ceremony outside Quebec's National Assemblybuilding Thursday afternoon, meant to mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
"We lost grandpas and grandmas, dads, moms, brothers, sister, friends," the premier said, ofa virus that hit the elderly particularly hard.
He also highlighted essential workers, such as people who worked in grocery stores, and commended health-care workers for their courage in treating patients infected with the disease.
"They were truly heroesand they continued for a year and they continue now," he said, adding that they are entitled to recognition for what they did.
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
- Montreal seniors knit colourful scarves to commemorate the lives lost in long-term care homes. of 251
- The family of a Montreal woman found dead on a hospital floor is seeking answers.
- Cte Saint-Luc grapples with Montreal's highest per capita COVID-19 case count
- Quebec community organizers warn that language, cultural barriers could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
- Here are some of the Quebec health professionals who are now administering vaccines.
- Families, athletes call for return of team sports in Quebec.
- In this opinion column, the writer arguesCOVID-19 has added to the educational barriers girls and women face around the world.
- Here's how to know if your kid has COVID and what to expect if they do
- The first order of business after 103-year-old Stanley Sepchuk's COVID-19 vaccine was to grab a glass of wine.
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.