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

With the number of casesand hospitalizations on the rise, Premier Franois Legault says police will be cracking down on those who don't follow health guidelines. Here's what you need to know.

Province reports 1,700 cases on Wednesday, as hospitalizations continue to mount

CBC News Posted: Dec 09, 2020 6:40 AM EST | Last Updated: December 9, 2020

Vaccine doses are expected to start rolling out in Quebec on Monday. If all goes as planned, more than half a million Quebecers could be vaccinated by the end of March. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 1,728new cases ofCOVID-19 and 37 more deaths on Wednesday.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 156,468confirmedcases and7,349people have died. One death has been removed from the total because the person didn't end up having COVID. Here's aguide to the numbers.
There are 844peoplein hospital (an increase of nine)including 121 in intensive care (an increase of seven).
CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.

With the number of casesand hospitalizations on the rise, Premier Franois Legault says the police will be cracking down on those who flout COVID-19 health and safety rules in the coming days.

The province reported more than 1,700 cases on Wednesday, and more than800people are now being treated in hospital with the virus.

The province is once again cutting back on non-urgent surgeries and procedures to free up beds and staff for the expected influx of COVID-19patients, but experts say these delays could lead to long-term consequences.

The first batch of Pfizer's vaccine is expected to start rolling out in Quebec early next week, after it was approved by Health Canada on Wednesday.If all goes as planned, more than half a million Quebecers could be vaccinated by the end of March.

Patients in CHSLDs, which accountedfor the vast majority of deaths related to COVID-19, will be the first to get the Pfizer vaccine in the province.

Follow the COVID-19 rules or you'll be fined, Quebec Premier Legault warns

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.

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.

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