COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday

• Quebec reported 83 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and three deaths that occurred before July 14. 
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 376,192 confirmed cases and 11,235 people have died.
• There are 84 people in hospital (an increase of three) including 25 in intensive care (an increase of two). 
• 99,852 doses of vaccine were administered in the province over the last 24 hours, for a total of 9,853,761.
• 82 per cent of the eligible population in the province (age 12 and up) have received one dose of vaccine, and 50 per cent have received two doses.

COVID-19 data is no longer updated by Quebec's Health Ministry on weekends or on public holidays.

Quebec is holding a lottery for $2 million in cash and scholarships to encourage more people to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Minister Christian Dubé made the announcement with Eric Girard, who is both the province's finance and economy minister, as well as Daniel Paré, the director of the Quebec's vaccination campaign, at Loto-Québec's headquarters in Montreal.

Starting on July 25, the province's portal for proof of vaccination will include an option to opt in to the lottery.

"In a fight like this one, every vaccinated person counts," Girard said of this new incentive.

The first weekly draw will take place Aug. 6. Those who have been previously vaccinated are also eligible for the cash prizes.

Non-essential travel from the U.S. could soon be allowed

Canada is getting ready to welcome non-essential travellers, as the Prime Minister's Office quietly revealed on Thursday that it targets mid-August for when the border might reopen for fully vaccinated Americans.

And if the current vaccination rate continues to climb, fully vaccinated travellers from around the world could begin arriving by early September, Trudeau said during a COVID-19 status update with Canada's premiers.

All vaccine age groups can now move up 2nd dose

With the epidemiological situation remaining stable, the province is encouraging the youngest eligible Quebecers to get their second shot of a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

Twelve- to 17-year-olds can now move up their second dose appointment, Dubé tweeted Thursday morning. People can either change their appointment or simply go to a clinic offering walk-ins. 

Dubé said public health had approved the earlier timeline, noting that it offered people more flexibility.

According to the province's most recent numbers, 77 per cent of people in that age group have received a first dose. However, only seven per cent have had their second shot. 

Overall, 48 per cent of Quebecers have received two doses. 

The province has been trying to get more young people vaccinated. Less than 70 per cent of people between 18 and 29 have received a first dose, according to provincial data. 

Top COVID-19 stories

• Pandemic travel restrictions are leaving children of temporary residents stranded abroad
• Here's what Quebec can learn from other regions with vaccination passport systems
• Quebec's vaccination passport plan threatens to infringe on 'freedom of movement,' expert says
• Quebec surgeries pick up speed as province tackles pandemic backlog
• Why the delta variant means some Canadians now more 'at risk' from COVID-19 than ever before.
• Push to vaccinate Quebecers 18-29 is on, as normal return to higher education hangs in the balance

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, vomiting).
• Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
• Generalized muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

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.  

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.

You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.