Public health said it was “concerned” by an increase in COVID cases that it has observed in recent weeks, in the context of the start of the school year.
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“Currently, what we are observing is a constant increase in cases for the past four weeks,” explained Christian Dubé, the Minister of Health and Social Services.
He took stock of the situation on Wednesday, in the company of Dr Luc Boileau, national director of public health.
«[Avec l’arrivée du temps froid] we will be even more inside, there will be even more contagions. We have to be careful, and Christmas is coming. It’s not that far. If we want to prepare well, let’s be sure to have a good vaccination, “recalled the Dr Boileau.
Photo Agence QMI, Thierry Laforce
For the moment, however, the increase in cases is not yet “exponential”, as it had been the case during the summer, during the seventh wave.
“Our health network remains very fragile, and we must give ourselves the means to limit the pressure on our network and that goes through vaccination,” said Mr. Dubé.
Although he does not envisage a return to sanitary measures, he has repeatedly reiterated the importance of having good “respiratory hygiene”, calling for everyone’s responsibility. Especially in the context of the arrival of cold weather which will ensure that the population is more indoors.
“When you have symptoms, don’t be embarrassed to wear the mask. It’s part of respiratory etiquette. It is important that we limit the spread of the virus in every possible way,” said Mr. Dubé.
Photo Agence QMI, Thierry Laforce
He also expressed concern regarding what was happening elsewhere in the world, especially in Europe.
“Public Health continues to monitor the situation, particularly new variants. The height of a new wave might be influenced by new variants, which is not yet the case,” he revealed.
Vaccination
Currently, only 22% of the population has received a booster dose in the last five months. The situation does not worry Mr. Dubé unduly, while the “target” population made up of the elderly and at risk would be more vaccinated.
“Among young people, the percentages are lower, but we must also take into account that there are several of them, and probably a greater proportion than among older people, who have had COVID in the last few months” , argued Mr. Dubé.
Photo Agence QMI, Thierry Laforce
The health network would also vaccinate up to 100,000 people per week since August 15th. A rhythm that public health wishes to see maintained over the next few years.
“Every day, there are people that it will be five months since they had the last dose, because it was still well distributed. There are always those who have to go and get the vaccine, ”noted the Dr Boileau.
In addition, the bivalent vaccine from Pfizer should be available in the coming days in vaccination centers in Quebec.
