Status quo for health measures despite Omicron
Premier of Quebec, François Legault.
As new cases increase, approach two thousand, and the Omicron variant becomes more prevalent, Quebec is keeping the status quo on current health measures. However, a meeting between François Legault, Christian Dubé and Horacio Arruda will take place this evening to report on the epidemiological situation.
At present, the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, does not hear not change the measures in place as long as the hospitalization data is “under control”. Whatever happens, Mr. Legault says he will follow public health recommendations. “As we have been doing for 21 months,” he explains.
“There is an explosion of cases of Omicron in Ontario, but there is no reason to think that this variant is more dangerous, but the fact remains that we still vary between 1,500 and 2,000 cases every day. , so you have to be careful. I have a meeting this evening with Dr Arruda, his team and Christian Dubé. ” Earlier today, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported that community transmission of the Omicron variant was underway across the country.
“With what's going on in Ontario, you can think it's going to come here [in Quebec]. This should not be taken lightly, ”adds the Prime Minister. In a virtual press conference on Monday, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Theresa Tam, said transmission may be lower in other provinces, but “it” is a matter of time ”before they follow in Ontario's footsteps. A possible closure of the borders with Ontario, as has been the case in the past, is not at all envisaged by Mr. Legault.
However, with 268 hospitalizations today, it remains “Relatively low”, judges the Prime Minister. The priority of the government remains the vaccination, which reaches “97% in the teenagers and 40% in the 5-11 years”. The Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, will give a press briefing on the epidemiological situation in Quebec on Tuesday, according to François Legault. Just days ago, the government said it was open to gatherings of up to 20 people.
Other provinces tighten the screw
New Brunswick just announced, Monday afternoon, that it had detected the first Omicron's case in its territory and chooses to tighten measures in hopes of slowing the spread. As transmission is strong among children under 12, New Brunswick is suspending the activities and activities of these children this evening. Screening kits will be sent to all children between Kindergarten and Grade 8.
“It is essential that we work together to slow the spread [& # 8230;] while finding a balance to live with COVID-19. These measures will help us as we continue to administer booster doses, ”said New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.
For ages 12 and over, sports competitions, games and tournaments are suspended, but the practices remain authorized.
