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

For the first time, Quebec has recorded more than 1,500 cases of COVID in a single day. Here's what you need to know.

Premier is considering banning gatherings during holidays due to surge in cases

CBC News Posted: Dec 02, 2020 6:21 AM EST | Last Updated: December 2, 2020

By Dec. 11, Quebecers will know if they are allowed to have gatherings between Dec. 24 and Dec. 27. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 1,514new cases ofCOVID-19 and 43more deaths on Wednesday, while two previously reported deaths are no longer attributed to COVID-19.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been145,062confirmedcases and7,125people have died. Here's aguide to the numbers.
There are 740peoplein hospital (an increase of 21), including99in intensive care (an increaseof one).
CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.

Quebec has reached a new, grim milestone, recordingmore than 1,500 cases of COVID-19 in a single day for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

On Wednesday, the province reported 1,514 new infections and 43 deaths.

The record total comes asQuebec Premier Franois Legaultis considering scrapping the province's plan to allow Christmas gatherings due to a recent surge in cases, deaths and hospitalizations.

The province is reporting that 740 people are in hospital due to the coronavirus.

Legault isgiving himself until Dec. 11 to make a final decision.

"The number of hospitalizations, if it continues to grow like we see at the moment, unfortunately it won't be possible," Legault said during a news conference Tuesday.

The government is also worried about a growing number of outbreaks in private seniors residences (RPA), particularly in the Quebec City region.

Legault says people who live in RPAshave more freedom to leave their facility and come back and he's asking residents and staff to be careful.

'We are not going in the right direction,' Legault says, putting holiday gatherings in doubt

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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