• The Quebec Ministry of Health no longer reports COVID-19 numbers over the weekend. As Quebec residents prepare for the long holiday weekend that is likely to be filled with high concentrations, the province’s interim director of public health says they should be careful about limiting the spread of both coronavirus and seasonal flu. During a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Luc Boileau said a non-seasonal flu wave has started in Quebec. He said the province would not impose restrictions on the size of rallies this weekend. Instead, he urges Quebec residents to “manage the risk” and avoid meeting others if they have symptoms of either COVID-19 or the flu. The onset of the flu season coincides with a sudden increase in cases and patients with COVID-19. Benoit Barbeau, a virologist at the Université du Québec à Montréal, says there are steps Quebecians can take to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, such as bringing the party outdoors if possible, avoiding too many people in the same room or in the same house, and keeping the windows open to allow air circulation. “If there are not too many people in the same place, using the mask is something you should definitely keep in mind,” he said.

The Novovax vaccine is now available

The Novovax vaccine is now available in the province, giving Quebec a fourth option when it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The two-dose protein-based vaccine was approved for use in Canadians 18 years of age and older by Health Canada in February. It will be offered as a first or second dose, especially to those who have a contraindication to mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer or Moderna, or to those who refuse. Quebec has so far received about 7,500 doses and 220,000 doses could be delivered in the coming weeks, according to a press release from the Quebec Ministry of Health. For now, the vaccine will only be available in emergency clinics because the vials only last a few hours after opening.

ERs in eastern cities under pressure

The health authority in the eastern cities of Quebec is urging residents to avoid going to the emergency room for no good reason, as the number of patients increases due to the sixth wave and other viruses. During a news briefing Wednesday, health officials urged people to exercise proper judgment and consult other health services when the situation allows further ER connections to be avoided. “All the hospitals in the eastern cities are overcrowded at the moment,” said Dr. Genevieve Simar-Rassin, assistant director of the emergency department at Granby Hospital. Dr Stéphanie Blais-Boilard, chief physician of the Haut-Saint-François Family Medicine Group (GMF), says many options are available to patients, even if they do not have a family doctor. Among other things, it is advisable to call line 811, visit CLSC or consult a pharmacist who can answer all questions about medication, adjust dosages and provide health advice.

Top stories COVID-19

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Fever. New or worsening cough. Difficulty breathing. Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose. Gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). Sore throat Generalized muscle pain. Headache. Fatigue. Loss of appetite.

If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic.
To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can go to the quebec.ca/covidvaccine portal. You can also call 1-877-644-4545. You can find information about COVID-19 in the county here and information about the situation in Montreal here.