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

Montreal's public health director says she is particularly concerned about the current situation in CHSLDs and private seniors' homes, where there are a total of 33 outbreaks. Here's what you need to know today.

Montreal's public health director concerned about more outbreaks in nursing homes

CBC News Posted: Dec 10, 2020 6:19 AM EST | Last Updated: December 10, 2020

Quebec's public health director says the government's decision to shut down restaurant dining rooms earlier this fall went against public health advice. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 1,842new cases ofCOVID-19 and 33more deaths on Thursday.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 158,310confirmedcases and7,382people have died.Here's aguide to the numbers.
There are 848peoplein hospital (an increase of four)including 113in intensive care (a decrease of eight).
CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.

While the province grappleswith thesecond wave of COVID-19 infections, a new report from Quebec's ombudsman is highlighting what went wrong in long-term care homes during the first wave.

According to the ombudsman, the province's pandemic preparation focused heavily on hospitals, and didn't do enough to prepare long-term care homes.

CHSLDs were a 'blind spot' in government's pandemic planning, Quebec ombudsman says

Dr. Mylne Drouin, Montreal's public health director,saysshe is particularly concerned about the current situation in CHSLDs and private seniors' homes, where there are a total of 33 outbreaks.

She is asking Montrealers to cut down on their contacts as COVID-19 cases climb.

The region recorded 648 new cases Thursday, with the highestincreases coming among school-age children and those 85 and up.

Meanwhile, restaurant owners are expressing anger and frustration after public health directorDr. Horacio Arrudaacknowledged that the government's decision to shut down dining rooms in red zones earlier this fall went against public health advice.

And as cases and hospitalizations in Montreal steadily climb, the regional health authority for the West Island is cancelling holiday vacations for health-care workers, including nursing and cardiorespiratory staff, paratechnical andauxiliary and staff, as well as other technicians and health professionals.

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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