COVID-19: 2349 new cases in Quebec

The increase in COVID-19 cases reported in recent days in Quebec is worrisome and could have significant consequences that could extend over several months, says pharmacist Diane Lamarre.  

"At this time of year, to have an increase of 100 new cases a day is dramatic for the future," she says. 

On Thursday, Christmas Eve, Quebec is once again registering a new peak in cases with 2349 new infections and 46 deaths. 

Ms. Lamarre recalls that during the first wave last spring, when Quebec was registering about 1,000 people infected per day, it took three months to drop to 62 new cases per day. 

"And we were in a context where we could be out there. We know that when we are inside, the virus spreads more easily," she explains. 

The pharmacist says that "there is something that will have to change" for the number of cases to decrease. 

"The use of rapid tests that we haven't really implemented yet and then this way of perceiving aerosol contamination. There are definitely additional measures to be taken", she gives as an example. 

A longer break?

The holiday break imposed by the Legault government in the hope of curbing the spread of the coronavirus "is not very very long," says Diane Lamarre. 

"Ideally, it would have been two two-week periods. So as much as possible, on the 25th, we stay home and we don't go out if we are able to stay until January 11th," recommends the pharmacist. 

Although the COVID-19 vaccines have begun to be administered in Quebec, the impact of this will only be felt in a few months. 

"And the people who are infected, they are infected and they will continue to spread before a significant number of vulnerable people can be vaccinated," she warns. 

In closing, Diane Lamarre reiterates that we must remain cautious and not relax our precautions.

"You have to be positive in your head, but negative in your nose and throat," she illustrates.