- Quebec reported 775 new cases on Saturday and seven more deaths.
- Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 301,691 confirmed cases and 10,594 people have died.
- There are 505 people in hospital (an increase of one), including 99 in intensive care (no change).
- 41,338 doses of vaccine were administered on Friday for a total of 915,653 since Dec. 14.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the province administered more than 40,000 vaccine shots in a single day, and the Quebec government is asking the private sector to get involved in its vaccination campaign.
Health Minister Christian Dubé says the 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.
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.
While the province’s vaccination rollout plan is well underway, the Saguenay region, which has been designated orange since mid-February, is teetering on red.
The region saw another bump in new daily cases Saturday, at 53, the highest increase in weeks.
Saguenay director of public health Dr. Donald Aubin said this week the number of new daily cases has surpassed the threshold to be bumped up to red, but he’s keeping an eye on other criteria, such as the overall pressure on the health network.
Meanwhile, three of the province’s regions are set to be downgraded to the yellow alert level this week.
That means, among some loosened restrictions, such as doing away with the curfew, bars will be able to reopen in the Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands, the North Shore, and Northern Quebec.
In orange and red zones, two industry groups representing bars have sent a joint letter to the Legault government asking for the right to reopen at the beginning of April, while following strict COVID-19 prevention measures.
They say many establishments have been shuttered for about three quarters of the last year, and they are struggling.
If you have been feeling isolated, we’ve compiled some ways to help cope as part of a special CBC Quebec project called Out of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.
Top COVID-19 stories today
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 18776444545 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.
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.