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

• Quebec reported 153 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and one new death(nonein the last 24 hours).
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 373,370confirmed cases and11,177people have died.
• There are 192 people in hospital (adecrease of 17), including 45 in intensive care (a decrease of five).
• 82,142vaccinedoses were administered in Quebecfor a total of 6,955,473.
• As of Wednesday, 78 per cent ofthe eligible population ofQuebecers have received one dose of vaccine, and 15per cent have received two doses.

The Quebec government has quietly changed its advice regarding the second dose for those who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

It's now recommending they receive an mRNA vaccine meaningeither Pfizer-BioNTechor Moderna for their second dose. However, for those who wish, second doses of AstraZeneca willstill be administered to recipients who give informed consent.

The move comes following a recommendation from the province's immunization committee.Despite the risk of more serious side effects,it says preliminary data suggests mixing doses produces a better immune response, especially against coronavirus variants.

Just yesterday,Health Minister Christian Dub announced that Quebecers who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first shotwill be able to request either aPfizer or Moderna vaccine.

As of today, Quebecers aged 45 and up can go online to move up their appointments for their second dose regardless of which vaccine they received for their first dose.

By June 23, all adults in the province will be able move up their appointments for the second dose.

Pop up vaccination clinic for hockey fans

Health Minister Christian Dub announced on Twitter that there will bea walk-in vaccination clinic from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight outside the Bell Centre. It's designed to tap into the large groups of fans expected to gather for the Habs away game in Las Vegas.

Bigger crowds allowed

Quebec's Health Ministry will allow crowds of up to 3,500 people including at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Thenew rule will come into effect Thursday, applying not just to sporting events but also festivals thatwill begin outdoors on June 25, the ministry says.

Except for drive-in movie theatres, audiencesmust still be subdivided into independent sections each with a maximum limit of 250 people.

Each of these sections musthave independent entry, exit and sanitary facilities, as well as separate dining areas, if applicable, the ministry says, and distancing rules are still in effect.

WATCH| A breakdown of what's allowed in Quebec's yellow zones

What you can finally do now that we're in the Yellow zone

3 years ago

Duration 3:01

Cases are dropping and vaccinations are increasing. We're officially now in the Yellow zone. While some public health restrictions must still be respected, life is about to feel a lot more normal in Quebec.

Top COVID-19 stories

• Canada ready to receive millions of vaccine doses
• Quebec OK's later hours for bars and restaurants so fans can watch Habs playoff games
• Health officials trying to boost vaccination rates in Montreal's Parc-Extension neighbourhood
• Quebec tightens rules after lax vaccination policy among oncology staff in Sherbrooke leads to deadly COVID-19 outbreak
• The COVID-19vaccination blitz for studentsis in full swing across Quebec, complete with DJs
• What second doses mean for people across Canada
• Here's where you can get yoursecond AstraZeneca dose.

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 call18776444545to 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 coveringis 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.