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COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend

The province will be closed to travelers from Ontario starting Monday, and Montreal officials continue to call on those 55 and over to get the AstraZeneca shot. Here's what you need to know.

Quebec closing border to Ontario Monday, 20,000 AstraZeneca vaccines available in Montreal

CBC News Posted: Apr 17, 2021 8:20 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 18, 2021

Quebec will be closing its border with Ontario on Monday, after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced checkpoints, barring anybody from travelling between provinces without a valid reason. (Simon-Marc Charron/Radio-Canada)

Quebec reported1,344new caseson Sundayand ninemore deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been336,952confirmed cases and10,802people have died.
There are 683people in hospital (a decrease of nine), including 175in intensive care (no change).
58,945vaccinedoses were administered in the last 24 hours for atotal of2,358,757sinceDec. 14.

Quebec Deputy Premier Genevive Guilbault says the province will be closed to travellers coming in from Ontario starting Monday.

Her announcement, made on Twitter Friday, comes just after Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his province is closed as well, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases and growing concern over the variants.

Guilbault said the province is still in discussions with Ontario to determine the exact terms of the closure.

On Ontario's side,exceptions will include people going to work, seeking medical care, transporting goods and exercising Indigenous treaty rights.

Quebec to close border to Ontario, as Ontario does the same

20,000 AstraZenecadoses in Montreal

Montreal public health and provincial authorities are calling on everyone over the age of 55 to get their first shot of theAstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, with 20,000 dosesavailable at drop-in centres in Montreal this weekend.

Trucks with loudspeakers on them willbe driving around some Montreal neighbourhoods, includingCte-des-Neiges, in the coming days, encouraging residents to head to thedrop-in sites.

Earlier this week, Health Minister ChristianDubsaid the province may be able to move up its vaccine timeline and start inoculating the general population by the end of next month if more eligible residents get the AstraZeneca shot in the coming weeks.

Right now, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is only available to Quebecers between the ages of 55 and 79, butDubhas suggested that age range could be expanded, pending public health approval.

Montreal renews push to get over 55s to take AstraZeneca vaccine

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Quebec has changed its rules around when you need to wear a mask outdoors. But is there actually more risk?

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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COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know this weekend

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