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

The province is getting ready to ramp up its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with 21 sites being prepped for next week. Here's what you need to know.

Elementary schools and high schools in Quebec closed until Jan. 11

CBC News Posted: Dec 17, 2020 6:43 AM EST | Last Updated: December 17, 2020

Yellow zones in Quebec have been upgraded to orange, and orange zones to red. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported1,855new cases ofCOVID-19 and 22more deathson Thursday.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been171,028confirmedcases and7,635people have died.Here's aguide to the numbers.
There are 1,002peoplein hospital(an increaseof 27)including134in intensive care(an increase of six).
A total of 969doses of vaccine were administered on Wednesday, for a total of 2,582.
CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.

After kicking off its COVID-19 vaccination campaignin two long-term care homes, the province is getting ready to widen its distribution, with a total of 21 sites starting next week.

Fifteen regions will have at least one vaccination site, including a total of eight in the Montreal, Laval and Montrgieregions.

Across Quebec,elementary schools and high schools are now closed until Jan. 11, with students expected to keep up with class work online.

Several regions in the provincearenow subject to tougher COVID-19 restrictions, as yellow zones have been upgraded to orange, and orange zones to red, the highest alert level.

Saguenay and the Laurentiansare among the regions that have become red zones, with restaurant dining rooms, bars, gyms, museums and theatres forced to shut down as a result.

This change is one of the several measures announced by the Legault government in an effort to reverse the worrisome trend in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Can I get my fridge repaired? Answers to your questions about Quebec's new COVID restrictions

Quebec schools, offices, non-essential businesses to close until Jan. 11 to help curb spread of 2nd wave

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

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