Cases continue to climb in Quebec

Cases continue to climb in Quebec

Record Staff

The Quebec government has reported 15,293 new COVID-19 cases in the province, and confirmed 15 more deaths in its latest update. There are also 1,396 hospitalized Covid patients in Quebec, an increase of 165 from the last update, as well as 181 patients in intensive care, which is up by 19.

The new Covid cases include 2,596 people who are either unvaccinated or received their first dose less than two weeks ago, 700 people who have been partially vaccinated for more than two weeks, and 11,997 people who have been double vaccinated for more than two weeks.

The new hospitalizations include 102 people who are either unvaccinated or received their first dose less than two weeks ago, nine people who have been partially vaccinated for more than two weeks, and 178 people who have been double vaccinated for more than two weeks.

According to the public health authority, unvaccinated people are 0.7 times more at risk of infection compared to fully vaccinated individuals, and 8.5 times more at risk to end up in the hospital. To date, 6.67 million people have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The local health authority has not updated its last report prior to the holidays. And it has yet to announce when it will provide any new information to the Eastern Townships. The vaccination campaign also continues with boosters becoming available on Tuesday to people between 54 and 59 years old.

The ski resorts at Bromont and Mont Sutton have also updated their COVID-19 health and safety measures following Premier Legault’s announcement last Thursday. Both ski hills will continue to operate under the new guidelines, while also respecting the 10 p.m. curfew in place for the next three weeks.

However, in Sutton’s announcement, management has clarified that the restaurant will be closed. The chalets will turn into warm up zones, where employees will impose a 15 minute rotation for skiers. It is also forbidden to eat and drink inside the chalets.

The lunch room will be closed, as well, however there will be take out option available. Breakfast will not be served during this lockdown period. The daily lockers will also be closed, but the seasonal lockers will still be accessible to the public.

Bromont’s management team announced the hill will close at 9:30 p.m., and ski chalets will also be used only as a refuge from the cold. There is no eating allowed in the chalet, like Sutton, but there will be access to the bathrooms.

The capacity has also been reduced to 50 per cent in order to respect the one metre distance between people who don’t live under the same roof. Skiers are no longer permitted to leave bags in the chalets, and encouraged to get ready at the car. Masks are mandatory at all times.

The boutique will be open during the week except on Sundays. Food consumption will be strictly outdoors. Gondolas will have a maximum capacity of six people, or the same family bubble. It is mandatory to wear a face-covering inside the gondola at all times.

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