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

Premier Franois Legault says, so far, the province has avoided a third wave of infections, but he says there's plenty of evidence to suggest Quebecers have to remain careful. Here's what you need to know.

'Next month, they will dominate the new cases,' the premier said in reference to growing spread of variants

CBC News Posted: Mar 24, 2021 6:25 AM EDT | Last Updated: March 24, 2021

Montrealers will have a hard time resisting the sunshine and spring weather, but the premier is urging people to keep following the rules to avoid a third wave of infections. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 783new caseson Wednesday and eightdeaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been304,490confirmed cases and10,626people have died.
There are508 people in hospital (a decrease of 11), including 118in intensive care (an increase of five).
31,025doses ofvaccine were administered on Tuesdayfor atotal of 1,024,713sinceDec. 14.

The premier says while several provinces are grappling withan increase of COVID-19 cases,Quebec has so far been spared.

On Tuesday, Franois Legault said it's imperative for Quebecers tokeep following the rules to avoid a third wave of infections,even as some of the public health restrictions are being lifted.

He pointed tothe recent spike in cases in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbiaand also indicated thatmore transmissible COVID-19 variants continue to spread.

The variants are becoming more and more present," he said. "We're at 30 per cent [of the cases]... Next month, they will dominate the new cases."

He also warned people in the Outaouais and SaguenayLac-Saint-Jeanregions to reduce their contacts. Both those areas have seen an increase in cases over the last few daysand are on the verge of becoming red zones.

As of Monday,Secondary 3, 4 and 5 students who live inred zoneswill be attending school in-person full time. Right now, in red zones they alternate daily between being at school and online learning.

Starting Friday, gyms and spas across Quebec will be allowed to reopen, with some restrictions.

'Light at the end of the tunnel' not enough to ease restrictions, Legault says

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He knows people are tired of confinement, but Premier Franois Legault says people cannot let down their guard for a few more weeks until the most vulnerable are vaccinated.

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 Wednesday

'Next month, they will dominate the new cases,' the premier said in reference to growing spread of variants

'Light at the end of the tunnel' not enough to ease restrictions, Legault says

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