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

The Quebec government is loosening some of its restrictions in red zones March 26 and pharmacies across the island of Montreal are getting set to join the vaccination effort. Here's what you need to know.

More than 350 pharmacies in Montreal to join vaccination effort starting tomorrow

CBC News Posted: Mar 13, 2021 9:20 AM EST | Last Updated: March 14, 2021

The Quebec government will allow gyms and indoor training facilities to reopen across the province as of March 26. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 674 new caseson Sunday and five more deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been297,592 confirmed cases and10,540 people have died.
There are547 people in hospital (a decrease of four), including 100 in intensive care (a decrease of six).
31,611 doses ofvaccine were administered on Saturday. A total of 715,581 people have been vaccinatedsinceDec. 14.

Starting Monday, eligibleMontrealers will be able to book vaccination appointments at their local pharmacy. The appointment slots will be available on the Clic Sant website.

A total of 365 pharmacies on the island will be offering vaccinations. Extra staff will be on hand at these locations to help with the process, said Thina Nguyen, the head of the provincial association of pharmacists.

"In Montreal, pharmacies will receive 100 doses for their first delivery,"Nguyen told Radio-Canada on Sunday.

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to residents 65 and over in Montreal.

More than 1,100 pharmacies outside of Montreal will also start doubling as vaccination sites in the coming weeks.

The Quebec government's current goal is to administer 1.3 million doses by the end of the month.

Last week, the government announced it was going to allow several sporting activities to resume, given that infections are averaging around 700 COVID-19 cases per day,

Starting March 26,all indoor fitness facilities, includinggyms, dance studios and martial arts training facilities, will be allowed to open, with strict rules in place.

That same day,Quebec will also reopenspas as well asindoor pools in hotels and willincreasethe number of people allowed in places of worship to 25 in red zones.

The maximum number of people allowed to participate in outdoor sports will also increase to 12 people in orange zones, but remain eight in red zones.

Gyms and spas to reopen in COVID red zones but don't expect your spin class to resume

Montrealers 65 and over can now book a vaccine, as pharmacies prepare to help

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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