As COVID-19 cases spike in parts of the U.S., Quebecers brace for a possible fourth wave
Quebecers may be enjoying a summer relatively free of COVID-19-related restrictions, but with numbers of daily cases creeping up and the virus' Delta variant becoming more prevalent, many are steeling for what could come next.
“What we've seen throughout each iteration of the variants is they tend to be more infectious,” said epidemiologist Christopher Labos. “That's how they end up becoming the dominant strain in whatever part of the world they arise in.”
In the United States, hot spots such as Florida have seen daily infections surpass previous highs, even after vaccines have been available for months and President Joe Biden has warned that restrictions could be on the horizon.
In Quebec, daily new cases have regularly surpassed 100 after hitting lows in the earlier parts of the summer. Doctors have urged the province to re-think its back-to-school plan to include a mask mandate.
As the province braces for a possible return of restrictions that were eased or done away with entirely months ago, some small business owners say they won't be able to survive.
“If we have to shut down again, I don't think we're going to make it through another year. It's going to be very tough,” said Jay Lucifero, general manager of Mile End's Club Social.
Labos said the number one way to protect against a Delta-driven fourth wave of COVID-19 is to convince Quebecers who have yet to get a vaccine to do so immediately.
“If you're not vaccinated, keep your distance from other people,” he said. “The problem with COVID is not just that it's infectious, but that a significant portion of the people who get it get seriously ill and end up in hospital.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.