No plans to impose obligatory public health measures this fall: Quebec health officials
Quebec health officials say there is no plan to impose obligatory public health measures come this fall.
Premier François Legault made the announcement during a public health update Tuesday morning, alongside Health Minister Christian Dubé, Public Health Director Dr. Luc Boileau and Quebec immunization committee (CIQ) President Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh.
This comes one day after Quebec launched its most recent COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign, targeting people living in CHSLDs and private seniors' residences (RPAs) due to a possible increase in infections as students return to school across the province.
Legault emphasized the fact that vaccination does wane after a few months.
"The reason we could return to a normal life this summer is thanks to vaccination," he said. "This is a good time to launch a massive vaccination campaign."
The recommended interval between baseline vaccination and a first booster dose is three months or more, while the suggested interval between each subsequent booster dose is five months or more.
"I'm counting on you," he stressed.
Consider getting a booster dose not only for yourself, said Legault, but for the province's vulnerable and health-care workers across the province.
"It's important; they had a tough two years, so they need your help," he said. "Please get your new dose."
Legault and Dubé note that during the electoral campaign ahead of the Oct. 3 provincial election, they will not participate in public health updates alongside Boileau, unless there is a pressing issue that requires their presence.
Wednesday, Quebec added 1,256 new PCR COVID-19 infections -- a total of 1,165,128 since the start of the pandemic.
The number of Quebecers in hospital receiving treatment for COVID-19 has decreased by 29, for a total of 1,964, including 679 due to COVID-19.
Intensive care admissions are down by five for 50 patients, including 29 specifically to be treated for COVID-19.
The province's health officials also confirmed 36 more deaths, a total of 16,165.
On Aug. 14, a total of 9,362 samples were analyzed.
A total of 276,642 rapid tests have been declared, with 231,497 positive.
In addition, Quebecers declared 241 rapid tests, with 199 positive results.
There are 4,109 health care workers absent due to COVID-19-related reasons.
VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
Quebec's health-care professionals administered 11,652 more vaccinations for a total of 20,468,759 doses.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé points out vaccination against the virus does not completely prevent infection, but it does decrease the risk of dire consequences.
As of Aug. 15, 91 per cent of the eligible population aged five and up have received their first dose of a vaccine and 56 per cent have received three.
An additional 19 per cent have received four.
The government has not included data for children aged six months to four years old.
LACK OF PLANS 'PERPLEXING': SPECIALIST
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Donald Vinh said he was hoping to hear more from the premier, namely a plan in case there's a bad wave in the fall.
While he's in favour of nearly everyone getting a booster dose, he says it’s "wishful thinking" given that as of Tuesday, only 56 per cent of Quebecers have gotten their third dose and only 19 per cent have had a fourth.
"I think it’s a bit perplexing because an institution of public health, the INSPQ, has warned that this fall could be very difficult with another wave," he said.
"You would have thought that if your own institution is warning you that things could be bad, the reflexive response would have been 'okay, what do we do about it?' And the answer today is nothing," he said. "Today's press conference really comes down to just crossing your fingers and hoping."
Vinh said he wanted to hear of plans to monitor wastewater, and hear that there could be at least limited mask mandates if the virus is spreading rapidly.
- With files form CTV News Montreal's Rob Lurie
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.