Fearing spike in COVID-19 cases after riots, experts urge Habs fans to celebrate safely
Habs fans caused quite the ruckus following the team’s series-winning Game 6 Thursday. The morning after, some voiced their concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19 through the crowd.
“Obviously, I was also happy with the results of (Thursday’s) game,” said Dr Jesse Papenburg, an infectious disease specialist at the MUHC. “But I have to say I'm a little bit concerned with these types of mass gatherings.”
Montreal reported just 30 new coronavirus cases on Friday, a continuation of a downward trend of infections in the city.
Still, the virus remains active -- especially among those aged 10-40, most of whom have not yet been fully vaccinated. Experts worry continued celebrations could cause infections to spike.
“The first dose of vaccine does (provide protection), but especially against variants we know second dose is really important,” said Papenburg.
Only 24 per cent of eligible Quebecers have been fully vaccinated, and just 6 per cent of those under 29.
“So, there is an opportunity within that age group in particular for transmission if anyone in that group was infected.”
Moreover, video of the post-game party shows people disregarding distancing guidelines. A significant portion of the crowd was also seen not wearing masks.
Even outdoors, Papenburg says that sort of partying “does a lot for viral transmission.”
“We have seen outbreaks in outdoor settings in Montreal during the third wave,” he said.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante spoke in favour of careful celebration as fans prepare for the playoff finals.
She said she’s “excited” by the idea of increasing capacity inside the Bell Centre, but her administration is working with the team to find other ways to watch.
“I'd be excited to have more (people) in the Bell Centre, but I'm also interested in having Montrealers watch the game outside,” said the mayor on Friday, offering the option for several outdoor viewing locations, for example.
Even after Montreal enters the green zone on Monday, public health has maintained its limit on indoor seating to 3,500 people in Quebec’s indoor stadiums.
Montreal public health told CTV News in a statement that it is not opposed to people celebrating during upcoming games, if they do it safely.
“The desire to come together and encourage our team is legitimate,” read the statement. “However, despite the decrease in the number of cases, the virus is still circulating, in particular the Delta variant, which is much more contagious.”
“Until we reach the targeted vaccination coverage (2 doses), large gatherings and events conducive to super-transmission must be avoided,” it continued.
“We encourage the population to support the Montreal Canadians in small groups, in outdoor places, and to keep their distance.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
The story of how a B.C. man found his birth mother
After his adopted parents died, Dave Rogers set out to learn more about his birth mother. DNA results and a little help from friendly strangers would put him on a path to a small town in England.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Italy's white-collar mafia is making a business killing
Italy's mafia rarely dirties its hands with blood these days. Extortion rackets have gone out of fashion and murders are largely frowned upon by the godfathers.
Spike in 'violent rhetoric' since Oct. 7 attack from 'extremist actors,' CSIS warns
The Israel-Hamas war has led to a spike in 'violent rhetoric' from 'extremist actors' that could prompt some in Canada to turn to violence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.
Summer forecast: What to expect as El Nino weakens
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Israeli army tells Palestinians to evacuate parts of Gaza's Rafah ahead of an expected assault
The Israeli army on Monday ordered tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza's southern city of Rafah to start evacuating from the area, signalling that a long-promised ground invasion there could be imminent.