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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.