COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Wednesday

• Quebec reported 153 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and one new death (none in the last 24 hours).
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 373,370 confirmed cases and 11,177 people have died.
• There are 192 people in hospital (a decrease of 17), including 45 in intensive care (a decrease of five). 
• 82,142 vaccine doses were administered in Quebec for a total of 6,955,473.
• As of Wednesday, 78 per cent of the eligible population of Quebecers have received one dose of vaccine, and 15 per cent have received two doses.

The Quebec government has quietly changed its advice regarding the second dose for those who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

It's now recommending they receive an mRNA vaccine — meaning either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna — for their second dose. However, for those who wish, second doses of AstraZeneca will still be administered to recipients who give informed consent. 

The move comes following a recommendation from the province's immunization committee. Despite the risk of more serious side effects, it says preliminary data suggests mixing doses produces a better immune response, especially against coronavirus variants.

Just yesterday, Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that Quebecers who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first shot will be able to request either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

As of today, Quebecers aged 45 and up can go online to move up their appointments for their second dose — regardless of which vaccine they received for their first dose.

By June 23, all adults in the province will be able move up their appointments for the second dose. 

Pop up vaccination clinic for hockey fans

Health Minister Christian Dubé announced on Twitter that there will be a walk-in vaccination clinic from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight outside the Bell Centre. It's designed to tap into the large groups of fans expected to gather for the Habs away game in Las Vegas.

Bigger crowds allowed 

Quebec's Health Ministry will allow crowds of up to 3,500 people — including at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

The new rule will come into effect Thursday, applying not just to sporting events but also festivals that will begin outdoors on June 25, the ministry says.

Except for drive-in movie theatres, audiences must still be subdivided into independent sections each with a maximum limit of 250 people.

Each of these sections must have independent entry, exit and sanitary facilities, as well as separate dining areas, if applicable, the ministry says, and distancing rules are still in effect.

WATCH | A breakdown of what's allowed in Quebec's yellow zones

What you can finally do now that we're in the Yellow zone

2 years ago

Duration 3:02

Cases are dropping and vaccinations are increasing. We're officially now in the Yellow zone. While some public health restrictions must still be respected, life is about to feel a lot more normal in Quebec.

Top COVID-19 stories

• Canada ready to receive millions of vaccine doses 
• Quebec OK's later hours for bars and restaurants so fans can watch Habs playoff games
• Health officials trying to boost vaccination rates in Montreal's Parc-Extension neighbourhood
• Quebec tightens rules after lax vaccination policy among oncology staff in Sherbrooke leads to deadly COVID-19 outbreak
• The COVID-19 vaccination blitz for students is in full swing across Quebec, complete with DJs
• What second doses mean for people across Canada
• Here's where you can get your second AstraZeneca dose.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• Fever. 
• New or worsening cough. 
• Difficulty breathing. 
• Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
• Gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting).
• Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
• Generalized muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic. 

To reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can go on the online portal quebec.ca/covidvaccine. You can also call 1-877-644-4545.

Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19: 

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Wear a mask or face covering is mandatory in enclosed public spaces across the province.
• Stay at least two metres away from other people as much as possible. 
• Self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a stay outside the country.

You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here.