COVID-19 update Québec has entered its 7th wave

Marie-Eve Turpin

With an increase of 110 new cases over the weekend, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the Outaouais since the beginning of the pandemic reached 40,805 on July 11. There were 402 active cases in the region on that date. There have been 320 Covid-19-related deaths in the Outaouais so far. Currently, 66 people are hospitalized, two of which are in intensive care. The CISSSO reports that 88 of its employees are currently infected with the virus. 

Update on the evolution of the situation in Québec

Québec has entered its seventh wave of Covid-19, a sign that the pandemic is not over, Dr Luc Boileau and Health Minister Christian Dubé said at a joint press conference on July 7. The two men had not held a joint press conference since February. They insisted on two aspects: the importance for Quebecers to go get their booster dose and to respect the isolation instructions.

Minister Dubé maintained that the situation is under control for the time being and that the objective is to protect the most vulnerable. He urges caution, especially with the construction holidays beginning soon.  

Remember that the most vulnerable people are those aged 60 years and over, people with chronic diseases and immunosuppressed people.

While no new health restrictions are planned at this time, wearing a mask, isolation and distancing are still recommended.

For Dr Boileau, the situation is clear: he attributes the current spread to people who have the virus and are not taking the necessary precautions to avoid infecting others.

As a precaution to limit the spread of the virus, he wanted to remind people who are experiencing symptoms to isolate themselves for a period of 10 days and to follow some basic measures. "You have to isolate yourself for five days, and for the next five days you have to be very careful. You shouldn't go to restaurants, shows or meet friends. And you have to keep a mask on. That's why there's so much contamination: people don't respect this 10-day rule," said Dr Boileau. 

Public Health is encouraging the public, especially the most vulnerable, to continue wearing masks if the situation is appropriate. "Keep a distance of two meters, wash your hands, maintain good hygiene and avoid meeting people indoors in closed environments," warned Dr Boileau.

The vaccine is still very effective in preventing complications related to the virus, especially hospitalizations, even in the context of new variants. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone, especially those at higher risk, get a second booster dose, if at least three months have passed after an infection or the previous dose.  

While the government has widely promoted the booster dose for vulnerable and at-risk individuals over the past few months, Dr Boileau noted that booster doses are now available to the entire population given the current situation. The Ministry of Health was also to make available on its website, immediately after the press conference, a decision chart to help people determine the best time to get a booster dose.

"It is time, right now, to go get it. It's a dose that will change the risk of developing a serious disease," Boileau said. He also said that after a period of about six months, the vaccine's effectiveness decreases, which is why the booster is so important.

People who are immunosuppressed or "very old" can also see a pharmacist to access Paxlovid. "We have the most efficient system of access to Paxlovid in the world. Let's take advantage of it," added Dr Boileau.

Rapid tests are still available free of charge in pharmacies.

The Québec government asks people who take a rapid test to go to Quebec.ca/testcovid-19 to report their results, whether positive or negative.

For the general population, a new vaccination campaign is planned for the fall, with new vaccines designed to fight against variants. Dr Boileau said that the situation is being closely monitored and, if necessary, a further update will be provided on the evolution of the situation.