COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday
Montreal's public health director concerned about more outbreaks in nursing homes
- Quebec reported 1,842 new cases of COVID-19 and 33 more deaths on Thursday.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 158,310 confirmed cases and 7,382 people have died. Here's a guide to the numbers.
- There are 848 people in hospital (an increase of four) including 113 in intensive care (a decrease of eight).
- CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch.
While the province grapples with the second wave of COVID-19 infections, a new report from Quebec's ombudsman is highlighting what went wrong in long-term care homes during the first wave.
According to the ombudsman, the province's pandemic preparation focused heavily on hospitals, and didn't do enough to prepare long-term care homes.
Dr. Mylène Drouin, Montreal's public health director, says she is particularly concerned about the current situation in CHSLDs and private seniors' homes, where there are a total of 33 outbreaks.
She is asking Montrealers to cut down on their contacts as COVID-19 cases climb.
The region recorded 648 new cases Thursday, with the highest increases coming among school-age children and those 85 and up.
Meanwhile, restaurant owners are expressing anger and frustration after public health director Dr. Horacio Arruda acknowledged that the government's decision to shut down dining rooms in red zones earlier this fall went against public health advice.
And as cases and hospitalizations in Montreal steadily climb, the regional health authority for the West Island is cancelling holiday vacations for health-care workers, including nursing and cardiorespiratory staff, paratechnical and auxiliary and staff, as well as other technicians and health professionals.
Top COVID-19 stories today
- The premier warns Quebecers about steep fines if they do not follow COVID-19 rules.
- Restaurant owners are angry the province went against public health advice to shut down dining rooms.
- What we know about Quebec's vaccine plans and what it means for 2021.
- Postponing medical procedures to make room for COVID patients comes at a cost, doctors warn.
- Maimonides, struggling to contain COVID-19, prepares to receive first doses of vaccine in Quebec.
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 call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to 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 covering when 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 province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.
