2024-03-15 19:51:48
The month of March 2020 took on the appearance of science fiction for many Quebecers. Many felt like they were playing in a bad scenario, where all of humanity was suddenly threatened from one day to the next.
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For the 4th anniversary of the pandemic this week, the Journal looks back at ten highlights that marked the province during this fateful month.
1. February 27, 2020: First infection with us
Quebec confirms a first case of COVID-19 in the province. This is a Montrealer who returned from a trip to Iran and is doing well, public health revealed.
Among the first headlines from the Journal de Montréal linked to the pandemic, we find this one from February 28, 2020 announcing that the “coronavirus” is arriving here. Archives of the Journal de Montréal
2. March 3, 2020: They adopt the mask
A sign of concern, it is now possible to see Montrealers who have started wearing masks in public to protect themselves from the virus. Many people first wear face coverings on the subway, on the bus and even while walking on the sidewalks.
An elder walks here in Montreal with a mask, March 2, 2020. Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montréal
3. March 11, 2020: Officially a global pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak became a global pandemic during this day. The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning the world regarding this “increasingly aggressive” virus. In Quebec, schools and daycares are expected to close soon.
- Listen to the discussion with Stéphanie Villeneuve via OLD :
The national director of public health for Quebec, Horacio Arruda, told Quebecers on March 11, 2020 that “everything was possible” in the future to manage this pandemic. Simon Clark/QMI Agency
4. March 13, 2020: Rush for toilet paper
Quebecers are embarking on a mad rush to buy supplies of toilet paper and non-perishable foods. Several stores are out of stock, such as Costco or Super C. At the same time, a health emergency is declared in the province.
A customer stocking up on toilet paper at Costco on March 13, 2020. Facebook photo
5. March 15, 2020: Quebec (almost) closed
The CAQ government and public health announce that they will have to close public places such as bars, gyms and even cinemas. 24,000 people might die if nothing is done, according to the authorities.
Martin Guimond, of the Saint-Bock bar in Montreal, forced to close its doors because of the coronavirus and to temporarily lay off 70 employees on March 16, 2020. Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montréal
6. March 16, 2020: Closure of borders
After being strongly criticized for his inaction, Justin Trudeau announced that Canadian borders are now closed to foreign nationals, with the exception of Americans. 14 days of isolation are suggested for travelers arriving in the country.
Police officers have been monitoring the Montreal airport since the introduction of the new measures on March 16, 2020. Ben Pelosse / JdeM
7. March 18, 2020: First death
Mariette Tremblay, 82, became the first Quebecer to die from COVID-19. At the same time, Quebec is increasing its screening capacity.
Clinic with a drive-thru service to quickly detect COVID-19 at Chauveau Hospital in Quebec. Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
8. March 21, 2020: No more parties
All indoor or outdoor gatherings are now prohibited in the province. Dr. Horacia Arruda also warns that the police will be able to disperse any crowds favoring the spread of the disease.
People take advantage of the sun to walk on the mountain of Mount Royal and to have fun without gathering.JOEL LEMAY/AGENCE QMI Joël Lemay / Agence QMI
9. 23 mars 2020 : Mandatory confinement in CHSLD
Confinement becomes compulsory in CHSLDs and private residences for seniors. Many families are adopting virtual happy hours to communicate with seniors.
Due to the pandemic, Thérèse and Claire received wishes for their 90th birthday through their home window on March 23, 2020. Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
10. March 27, 2020: Montreal in state of emergency
The mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, declares a state of health emergency in her territory. The city announces more police officers on its streets and invites people not to travel in the metropolis “for nothing”.
Few cars, in broad daylight, on the Champlain Bridge during the day of March 28, 2020. Ben Pelosse / JdeM
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