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Mask mandates and pleas for Quebec residents to stay at home dominate the headlines as the province experiences a worrying COVID-19 surge.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault reportedly implored residents to stay home in a recent press briefing after health authorities reported 900 new coronavirus cases as of Oct. 7, 2020.
“My message is clear and simple today. Please stay home,” Premier Legault reportedly said in the Wednesday press briefing. “You can go to school or to work but otherwise, please stay home.”
Quebec’s Second COVID-19 Wave Breaks Records
According to CTV News, Quebec has recorded a total of 81,914 COVID-19 cases as of Oct. 7, and 5,906 deaths. Unsurprisingly, Quebec’s major cities reported the majority of the new cases:
- Montreal reported 269 new cases for a total of 36,207
- Quebec City reported 132 new cases for a total of 5,392
- Monteregie reported 111 new cases for a total of 11,735
- The Eastern Townships reported 29 new cases for a total of 1,925
- Outaouais reported 49 new cases for a total of 1,629
- Chaudiere-Appalaches reported 73 additional cases for a total of 1,809
- Laval reported 64 more cases for a total of 7,843
- The Laurentians recorded 49 new cases for a total of 5,191
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé reportedly noted in the Wednesday press conference that this second COVID-19 surge is different from the first. The CBC reports that most new cases are stemming from community transmission, according to the Health Minister. Cases during the initial surge in the virus targeted residents in long-term care facilities.
“This time is totally different, totally different,” Dubé reportedly said during the briefing. “It is very difficult to say where you got it.”
Hospitals Concerned about COVID-19 Surge and Capacity
CTV News reports that officials are concerned about an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, which have doubled in the past two weeks.
According to Premier Legault, if this rate of hospitalizations continues, the province will experience an additional 1,600 within the month. Quebec’s health network would become very vulnerable at this point, the premier reportedly warned.
“Our health system is already fragile,” said Premier Legault in the press briefing. “If we continue in the same way, there’s a risk that we won’t be able to protect every Quebecer who needs it.”
Health experts told CBC News reporters that hospitals are getting ready for another surge, but health workers are still burned out from the first COVID-19 outbreak.
“The more cases we have spreading in the community, the more likely it is that you’re going to see spillover into vulnerable groups,” Dr. Matthew Oughton, a specialist in infectious diseases at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital told reporters. “And then all of a sudden, in one region, you are going to have a huge surge in people who are sick and need hospitalization.”
Oughten told reporters that the best thing residents can do is to follow social distancing guidelines and other health restrictions to avoid overwhelming the province’s healthcare system.
Contact Tracing an Issue
CBC News reports that contract tracers have been conducting approximately 200 investigations a day – their maximum capacity; however, these efforts may not be enough. Additionally, CTV News reports that Quebec residents may not be complying with contract tracing instructions, as well as other restrictions.
In his press briefing, Premier Legault reportedly pointed out that cities whose residents comply with contract tracing efforts experience fewer COVID-19 cases with fewer restrictions.
Parts of Province a ‘Red Zone’
The CBC reports that certain parts of Quebec have been designated “red zones” due to the number of coronavirus cases. Areas that have been designated red zones face additional restrictions on sports and leisure activities.
Additionally, high schoolers will be required to wear masks in these zones and face additional restrictions in the schools. These restrictions include a prohibition on organized sports and gym closures. Also, Grade 10 and 11 students will move to school that is partially online.
According to The CBC, there are 1,423 cases in Quebec schools as of Oct. 2, 2020.
Regardless of whether a resident is located in a red zone, health officials pleaded with the public to take action to help stop the second COVID-19 surge in the province. In addition to hygiene and social distancing, officials say that compliance with contract tracing efforts will help identify and contain new outbreaks of the virus.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues into the winter months, TCA is here to help consumers stay on top of the issues with its COVID-19 legal guide.
Are you concerned about Quebec’s second COVID-19 surge? Have you been affected by restrictions? We want to hear about your experience. Tell us in the comment section below!
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