Legault repeating call to look out for the vulnerable

In his update on the COVID-19 situation in the province on Monday afternoon, Quebec Premier François Legault called on Quebecers to be particularly mindful of those working within the healthcare system and also of people in situations of vulnerability, such as those over the age of 65. On the latter group, Legault pointed out that 80 per cent of COVID patients to date and 95 per cent of deaths related to the virus have been among people of this age range.
“These are two numbers that say it all,” he said, tying the measures aimed at limiting at-home gatherings to protecting the over-65 population since, “most of these people don’t work and they’re not at school.”
The province recorded 1,869 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of people infected to 230,690, of whom 197,938 have now recovered. The data also showed 51 new deaths, for a total of 8,737. The number of hospitalizations also jumped by 56 compared to the previous day, for a cumulative total of 1,436. Among these, the number of people in intensive care increased by 8, for a total of 211.
Health Minister Christian Dubé, speaking alongside Legault, called the situation in hospitals worrying and added that even if things are progressing well with the current vaccination campaign, an increasing burden on the healthcare system still stands to have significant and lasting impacts if not brought under control.
Provincial Public Health Director Dr. Horracio Arruda, meanwhile, argued that with influenza practically nonexistent in the province at the moment, anyone displaying flu-like symptoms should immediately get tested and self-isolate.
“Do not wait 24 hours” he said “This is not the same situation as in the spring.”
In the Estrie region there were 98 new cases recorded on Monday and seven new deaths. These deaths took place at Sherbrooke’s Fleurmont Hospital, at the Place Primevère residence in Waterloo, at the St-Philippe private residence in Windsor, at the St-Antoine Residence in Granby, at the Haut-Bois Residence in Sherbrooke, at the Les Jardins de Pinecroft residence in Magog, and in the community at large.
The number of hospitalizations in the region increased by four, bringing the total number of short-term hospital beds occupied by COVID-patients to 69 out of a capacity of 74. The number of people in intensive care remained stable at 10 out of a capacity of 25.

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