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

Quebecers are rememberingthe more than 10,000 people who have since died from the disease over the past year.

A year after start of pandemic, province holds memorial

CBC News Posted: Mar 11, 2021 6:36 AM EST | Last Updated: March 11, 2021

Brigitte Gurard, 10, took part in Thursday's memorial in Montreal. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada)

Quebec reported 738new caseson Thursday and 15more deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been295,390confirmed cases and10,518people have died.
There are563people in hospital (adecrease of 18), including 111in intensive care (adecrease of one).
18,659doses ofvaccine were administered on Wednesday. A total of 619,060people have been vaccinatedsinceDec. 14.

Premier Franois Legault wants Quebecers to remember those who died of COVID-19, people who, he said, were taken too soon.

Legault gave a speech at a ceremony outside Quebec's National Assemblybuilding Thursday afternoon, meant to mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

"We lost grandpas and grandmas, dads, moms, brothers, sister, friends," the premier said, ofa virus that hit the elderly particularly hard.

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He also highlighted essential workers, such as people who worked in grocery stores, and commended health-care workers for their courage in treating patients infected with the disease.

"They were truly heroesand they continued for a year and they continue now," he said, adding that they are entitled to recognition for what they did.

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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