Coronavirus in Quebec | COVID-19

In-Depth COVID Coverage

Quebec’s advice on booster shots ‘doesn't make a whole lot of sense,’ public health experts say

Some public health experts are questioning Quebec’s official advice that double-vaccinated people who have just recovered from COVID-19 to get a third dose of the vaccine 'as soon as possible.'

Omicron 'isn’t a regular cold,' Quebec doctor says, urging people to avoid infection and risk of long-COVID

A top long-COVID-19 researcher in Montreal who's recovering from a recent infection herself is urging the population to get vaccinated, and beyond that, to do whatever it takes to avoid catching the virus altogether.

Dr. Emilia Liana Falcone is heading up Montreal's first clinic for post-COVID patients. The clinic, located in the Montreal Clinical Research Institute, will treat "long-haul" patients, who display symptoms months after having the disease, and will also support research into the virus. (Photo: Cindy Sherwin/CTV Montreal)

So, you have COVID-19. Here's how to take care of yourself at home

As the Omicron variant fuels an unprecedented wave of COVID-19, a growing number of Canadians, including those who are fully vaccinated, are falling ill. CTVNews.ca looks at how you can take care of yourself at home if you are mild to moderately sick with COVID-19.

Quebec reserves PCR testing for select high-risk groups

As demand for COVID-19 testing soars, Quebec public health announced new screening priorities Tuesday for PCR tests.

When will COVID-19 end? Here's what happened with other pandemics

With cases skyrocketing and many scrambling to book third shots, one question feels more pressing than ever at the start of 2022: When will COVID-19 end? CTVNews.ca looks at three previous pandemics that might hold clues.

Here's what you need to know about the latest Quebec curfew and other restrictions

New restrictions are now in place in Quebec to curb the spread of COVID-19 including a curfew that goes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests now available in some Quebec pharmacies. Here's how to get yours

The province said the free tests, which can usually cost consumers around $40 in most pharmacies, can help give Quebecers some 'peace of mind' as they prepare to gather with families over the holidays.

Pandemic fatigue is real and this Quebec help line is seeing a surge in mental health calls

Another round of public health restrictions announced Monday is taking its toll on people’s mental health.

Quebec shuts down schools, bars, gyms, theatres as COVID-19 cases soar

The Quebec government shut down several public settings as of Monday at 5 p.m., including bars, taverns, casinos, theatres, gyms and even schools, as cases of COVID-19 are soaring in a pre-holiday spike.

How COVID-19 Affects Me

Moderna vaccine recipients have lower risk of breakthrough infections, hospitalization: study

A new study has found that people who received the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine are less likely to experience breakthrough infections and hospitalization compared to those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA shot.

FILE - A vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is displayed at a pop-up vaccine clinic for EMS workers Center in Salt Lake City on January 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Rick Bowmer

Pandemic stress saw increase in potentially addictive behaviours: study

A recent study with a Canadian connection has found that people gamed, overate and shopped more often — among other potentially addictive behaviours — as a result of the initial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccinations do not impair fertility in men or women, study finds

A new study adds to growing evidence that there is no connection between COVID-19 vaccinations and a reduced chance of conceiving.

No evidence healthy kids, adolescents need COVID-19 boosters, WHO chief scientist says

The World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Tuesday there was currently no evidence that healthy children and adolescents need booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Study reveals potential genetic risk factor for loss of smell and taste with COVID-19

Scientists believe they have identified potential genetic risk factors that may explain why some people lose their sense of taste and smell when they have COVID-19.

Your Finances During the Crisis

Supply chain disruptions, shift in consumer behaviour keep inflation elevated in Canada

CTVNews.ca created five charts using data from Statistics Canada and interviewed economists to help explain why inflation in Canada remains so high, amid the continuing effects of the pandemic on the global supply chain.

Economists say supply chain disruptions and shift in consumer behavior are contributing to keeping inflations at elevated levels in Canada. (CTVNews.ca)

Vaccine mandate: How a wrongful dismissal claim could play out

As workplaces enforce their own vaccine mandates, it remains to be seen just how many wrongful dismissal claims will be launched and whether they will stand up to legal scrutiny. CTVNews.ca speaks to lawyers about what a wrongful dismissal claim could look like.

Grocery store closures loom amid labour, product shortages

Grocery stores are struggling with rising labour and product shortages that could threaten Canada's food security, experts say.

Canada extending repayment of COVID-19 business aid loans to 2023

The federal government is extending the deadline for small businesses to pay back their Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans to the end of 2023.

Quebec wants to tax the unvaccinated, but experts say it could backfire

Some experts are warning that Quebec's unprecedented plan to tax adult residents who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 could have the greatest impact on those who have 'suffered the most during the pandemic,' such as vulnerable and marginalized groups.

CTV News Montreal Top Stories

'In jail': Teenagers spent 10 days in windowless rooms in Quebec group homes over COVID-19 exposure

Vulnerable teenage girls in a Laval group home were confined to windowless rooms for 10 straight days this month – though they didn’t have COVID-19 – under a provincial directive, CTV has learned. Similar lockdowns happened at other homes, including one for much younger children.

Some Montreal tenants have been without heat all week during bitter cold snap

Hydro-Quebec is asking people to cut back their energy consumption during the current bitter cold snap, but one building in Montreal has been without heat for almost a week causing some residents frustration.

Man, 33, injured following Montreal North shooting

A 33-year-old man was shot in Montreal North Friday evening but is in stable condition, according to Montreal police (SPVM).

An SPVM police cruiser. (CTV News file photo)

WEATHER

WEATHER | Icing on the cake: Smog warning issued for Montreal on top of extreme cold

High levels of pollutants are expected to last in southern Quebec until Saturday morning.

As extreme cold sets in, unions say education ministry sending mixed messages on air quality in schools

School administrators say the government is sending mixed messages over ventilation in the classroom after officials said teachers should not open their windows during class to improve air quality.

Study estimates Quebec actually had 58,000 new COVID-19 cases per day last week

A new study estimates the true total of Omicron cases has been around 58,000 daily, 10 times higher than the official count, as testing has been limited.