Covid-19 update: 1,141 active cases

Gyms and recreational activities reopen

Sophie Demers

 

As of February 6, Centre Intégré de la Santé et des Services Sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) reports 272 new Covid-19 cases over the weekend in the Outaouais. This brings the total number of cases in the area since the beginning of the pandemic to 33,370. There are currently 1,141 active cases in the region. There have been 271 Covid-19 deaths in the Outaouais recorded to date. CISSSO highlights that 32,468 people have now recovered from the virus. There are currently 48 individuals in the hospital with Covid-19, 8 of whom are in intensive care. A total of 141 of CISSSO employees currently have the virus.
The majority of Covid-19 cases are in Gatineau with 24,148 cumulative cases and 648 active cases. The MRC de Papineau has had 4,329 total cases and currently has 192 active cases; the MRC de Pontiac has has a total of 1,091 cases and currently has 83 active cases; the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais has had a total of 2,653 cases and has 93 active cases; and, the MRC de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau has had 1,419 total cases and currently has 112 active cases. The origin of 13 cases are yet to be determined.
–Provincial safety regulations updated
As of February 7, a maximum of 50 people can gather in places of worship to attend an indoor funeral without the vaccine passport. With a vaccine passport, 50% of outdoor capacity for a maximum of 250 people can gather at a place of worship.
Public venues can hold indoor events with 50% capacity for a maximum of 500 attendees with a vaccine passport. No intermissions are permitted. For outdoor public events there is a maximum of 1,000 attendees with vaccine passports.
In a February 1 press conference, Quebec Premier François Legault announced that starting on February 14 cultural and artistic activities can reopen with a maximum gathering of 25 people. Spas can reopen at 50% capacity. Sports and recreation courses and activities will be able to reopen with a maximum group size of 25 people. Tournaments, competitions, or matches will not be permitted. Locker rooms will be open with 50% capacity. Gyms, interior golf and climbing spaces can also reopen on February 14 with 50% capacity. Those that use these facilities must wear a mask and abide by the social distancing rules.
Legault announced during the press conference that the Quebec government will not be going forward with the fines for Quebecers that are not vaccinated for non-medical related reasons. Legault announced these fines earlier this year in the hopes of increasing the vaccination rate in the province. Legault says that they have decided not to go forward with fines because he does not want to divide Quebec; instead he hopes to foster social peace and cohesion.
Officials say fake vaccine passports will be revoked and those making them may face criminal charges.
–Vaccination and Testing
A booster dose (fourth dose) is now recommended for those 18 years of age or older who are immunocompromised or on dialysis. CISSSO asks that individuals wait to get their third dose until three months after their last dose.
During the February 1 press conference, Legault encouraged those who have not been vaccinated to do so and for those who are vaccinated to book their third dose as soon as possible. According to Legault, 61% of Quebec residents have gotten their third dose.
Individuals hoping to get their first or second vaccination can do so at six walk-in clinics in the region or book their vaccine appointments by visiting https://portal3.clicsante.ca/ or by calling 1-877-644-4545
Rapid antigen screening tests are available to individuals at pharmacies, depending on the stock at each location. There is now a website, Québec.ca/testcovid-19, where those who have taken a rapid test are asked to declare their results.