Yesterday Premier Legault announced a series of new restrictions which go into effect today, New Year’s Eve.
With 14,188 new Omicron cases on Thursday, December 30, the Quebec health care system is on the brink. Therefore the Government had to impose a “circuit breaker” approach which is expected to last two to three weeks. There will be no gatherings for New Year’s Eve after 5 p.m. The curfew from months past is reinstated and will be in place from 10 pm to 5 am. There will be a $6,000 fine for anyone breaking curfew. All non-essential stores will be closed for the next three Sundays (January 2, 9 and 16). School children will return to class on January 17 although on-line learning will be held during the regular school schedule.
For restaurants during the circuit breaker it will be take out only.
Religious services are also cancelled. Funerals may take place with a maximum of 25 people. Indoor sports will no longer be permitted. People can get together with one other person at home and outdoor events must not exceed 250 people.
Those living at home and receiving a home caregiver may continue to do so – also they may visit with one other friend from their bubble.
Due to Omicron, hospitalizations doubled over one week and the number of employees absent from worked also doubled. There are 12,500 health care employees absent from work.
Public health projections estimate that Quebec could see anywhere from 1,600 to 2,100 hospitalisations over the next two to three weeks, with the number of people needing intensive care between 300 and 375. This is why the Government feels it needs to act urgently now.
Even though Quebec has a vaccination rate of 90%, over 50% of those hospitalised are the unvaccinated. The Government is reviewing measures to encourage the unvaccinated to get vaccinated, possibly by increasing the need to present the vaccine passport.
The Government is very anxious that everyone should get their booster as soon as possible. Anyone over 60 years of age is currently eligible to get the booster. After January 4, new age groups will be announced.
The booster shot is being administered at many locations throughout the city. To make an appointment go to clicsanté or call 1 – 877 – 644-4545. Have your RAMQ card handy as you will be asked to provide the number.
In closing I would like to pay tribute to our home caregivers. All are fully vaccinated. They have worked with compassion, diligence and personal responsibility during 2021. The Worn Doorstep has had zero cases of CV19 amongst our home care clients or staff since the beginning of the pandemic. We have worked hard to keep everyone safe and are very proud and grateful for this outcome.