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

Quebec hopes to sign up 20 to 50 companies that will each be able to vaccinate 15,000 to 25,000 people when shipments of doses ramp up significantly in May and June. Here's what you need to know.

Across the province, vaccination now open to those 65 and over

CBC News Posted: Mar 19, 2021 6:18 AM EDT | Last Updated: March 19, 2021

The threat of COVID-19 variants has prompted Montreal Public Health to organize a pilot project to give priority vaccinations. For now, only parents with children in schools and daycares in the Cte Saint-Luc and Snowdon areas are eligible. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 764new caseson Friday and 11 more deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been300,916confirmed cases and10,587people have died.
There are504people in hospital (adecrease of 15), including 99in intensive care (adecrease of two).
38,459doses ofvaccine were administered on Thursdayfor atotal of 872,459sinceDec. 14.

The Quebec government is askingbusinesses to lend a hand in the vaccination effort.

Health MinisterChristian Dubsaysthe 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.

The health-care network is equipped to handle the 35,000 to 45,000 doses per day that will be available in March and April, hesaid. (The province set a new record Thursday with 38,459 doses given.)

But, as with the province's use of pharmacies to widen the vaccination program's reach, the addition of businesses will further complement existing resources.

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.

Quebec looks to corporate sector to help meet vaccination goal

After outcry, teachers will also get vaccinated in west-end pilot project

If you have been feelingisolated, we'vecompiledsome ways to help copeas part ofa special CBC Quebec project calledOut of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.

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.

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 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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