COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday
The Premier is willing to consider allowing two people to meet at the same time

- Quebec reported 1,133 new cases of COVID-19 and 25 more deaths on Friday, five of which were in the past 24 hours. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 112,189 confirmed cases and 6,403 people have died.
- There are 539 people in hospital (an increase of one), including 77 in intensive care (a decrease of five). Here's a guide to the numbers.
- Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed? Consult our list.
- CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, please get in touch.
Quebec Premier François Legault said fitness centres, museums and concert halls will not be reopening anytime soon, despite a request from Montreal public health officials to roll back COVID-19 red zone restrictions.
Legault is willing to consider allowing two people to meet, but anything beyond that, according to him, is too risky.
"If one person infects another person, that's one thing," the premier said Thursday. "If one person infects many people it's a different thing; it becomes exponential."
The situation in the Lanaudière and Saguenay regions continues to deteriorate. They now have the highest number of cases per capita in the province.
On Thursday, the province reported 162 cases in Lanaudière, 109 in Saguenay — both record daily highs.
WATCH | Premier François Legault on the possibility of making an exception to allow students to meet up:
Top COVID-19 stories today
- Experts say the province should have done more in schools to stave off the second wave of COVID-19.
- Quebec ski hills are expecting snowbirds to stay put, and flock to the province's slopes.
- Here's everything you need to know about getting the flu shot this year.
- A daughter of a 90-year-old is left without answers after a CLSC-referred house cleaner refused to wear a mask.
- The Montreal General Hospital is grappling with its second outbreak in less than a week.
- The pandemic has forced many Quebecers into difficult choices, including a teacher who was forced to take an unpaid year off to care for her immunocompromised child.
- The province's public health director says COVID-19 vaccinations in Quebec could begin in early 2021.
- How rapid tests work and why timing is critical.
- Quebec doctors treating COVID-19 have new techniques and treatments but there is still some unknown.
- This is what you can and can't do while living in a red zone.
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).
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.
Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask 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.
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