Variant BA2: citizens urged to be careful

NATIONAL. The acting National Director of Public Health, Dr. Luc Boileauprovided an update on the epidemiological situation in Quebec, which has continued to evolve over the past few days.

Although an increase in COVID-19 cases was foreseeable, in particular due to the recent lifting of several population measures, experts are closely monitoring several indicators that seem to indicate an upsurge in the spread. People who are more at risk of developing complications following the infection, due to their age or immunosuppression in particular, should exercise great caution.

An increase in cases is observed among health care workers, as well as an increase in the rate of positivity to screening tests. Although the greater Montreal area seems less affected for the moment, several regions of Quebec are facing an increase in the number of hospitalizations, and the increased transmission seems to be spreading throughout the territory. In addition, according to the most recent data from the National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services, if the trend continues, an increase in hospitalizations might occur.

Thus, everyone must act responsibly, according to their situation, in particular by being particularly vigilant during gatherings or social activities, which are at the origin of the majority of outbreaks today.

As soon as symptoms similar to COVID-19 appear, you must isolate yourself and take a rapid screening test. If the result is positive, the isolation instructions must be followed.

• • • Although the minimum isolation period is 5 days, the person can remain contagious for a period of 10 days.
    • If the symptoms improve and she has had no fever for at least 24 hours, the person can resume certain activities, but taking several precautions during the next 5 days. In particular, she must wear a mask during any social interaction and respect the distance from 2 m if possible.
    • Remember that a self-assessment tool to find out the isolation instructions that apply to your situation is available online.