Quebecers aged 60 and over can start making an appointment this Monday for a fourth dose of a vaccine against COVID−19.
This dose is also offered to people who are immunocompromised or on dialysis and aged 12 and over when making the appointment, as well as to people who live in a CHSLD or a private seniors’ residence.
Last Friday, Quebec reported 30 new deaths attributed to COVID−19 and a further increase of 55 hospitalizations in 24 hours, to a total of 1,637 hospitalizations. The authorities reported that in one week, the increase in hospitalizations amounted to more than 28%.
The Department of Health and Human Services reported 3,572 new cases on Friday.
This increase in hospitalizations and the number of absentees among nursing staff has also hinted at new load shedding in the health network, according to what the acting national director of public health, Dr. Luc Boileau. He admitted to being worried about the progression of the sixth wave in Quebec for a few weeks and he predicted that this progression should continue for at least another two weeks.
As of Friday, the number of healthcare workers with COVID−19 exceeded 13,000.
Dr. Boileau urged Quebecers to exercise the utmost caution, to isolate themselves if they have symptoms and to avoid places where there are crowds if they plan to see elderly relatives at Easter.