COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Friday

• Quebec reported 127new cases of COVID-19 on Fridayand two new deaths.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 373,658confirmed cases and11,180people have died.
• There are 175people in hospital (adecrease of three), including 39in intensive care (a decrease of two).
• 103,391vaccinedoses were administered in Quebecfor a total of 7,158,444.
• 79per cent ofthe eligible population ofQuebecers have received one dose of vaccine, and 17per cent have received two doses.

Because of a delivery problem, Quebec's Health Ministry has announced that it will no longer be offering Pfizer vaccines in walk-in clinics. But, it says, all appointments madeso far will be honoured.

Quebec was expecting more than540,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be delivered this weekend. It has learned that those vials will arrive only sometime next week.

The government says its priority is to make vaccines available to those who have made appointments.

This does not affect Moderna or AstraZeneca doses.

The Montreal Canadienswillnot have their coach behind the bench tonight for their semifinal game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Dominique Ducharme has been sent home and is isolating. The NHL says he has tested positive forCOVID-19.

A regional health board in Montreal will set up a vaccination clinicjust outsidethe Bell Centre tonight and on Sunday, hoping to draw hockey fans in attendance for Montreal Canadiens playoff games.

The goal is to provide people with a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. People do not need to take an appointment to get the shot.

The vaccination site will be open tonight and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Advice on AstraZeneca-Oxford boosters

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) saysprovinces should stop administering AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine as a booster altogether.

Based on that advice, people who have received AstraZeneca as a first dose should be given an mRNA vaccine eitherPfizer-BioNTech or Moderna for their second dose.

On Wednesday, Quebec appeared to have the same stance, but walked it back a day later.

Instead, the Quebec government says opting for Pfizer or Moderna for the second dose"appears preferable". Its position is based on a recommendation from the province's immunization committee (CIQ).

Both NACIand the CIQ saypreliminary data suggests mixing doses produces a better immune response.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government is working with the U.S. and other international partners to ensure people who have received theAstraZeneca vaccine face few barriers when they travel abroad,as some U.S. venues have signalled they will keep AstraZeneca recipients out.

WATCH| A breakdown of what's allowed in Quebec's yellow zones

What you can finally do now that we're in the Yellow zone

3 years ago

Duration 3:01

Cases are dropping and vaccinations are increasing. We're officially now in the Yellow zone. While some public health restrictions must still be respected, life is about to feel a lot more normal in Quebec.

Top COVID-19 stories

• There was no oxygen or running water in hot zone at Quebec's worst-hit long-term care home.
• Canada ready to receive millions of vaccine doses
• Quebec OK's later hours for bars and restaurants so fans can watch Habs playoff games
• Health officials trying to boost vaccination rates in Montreal's Parc-Extension neighbourhood
• Quebec tightens rules after lax vaccination policy among oncology staff in Sherbrooke leads to deadly COVID-19 outbreak
• The COVID-19vaccination blitz for studentsis in full swing across Quebec, complete with DJs
• What second doses mean for people across Canada
• Here's where you can get yoursecond AstraZeneca dose.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• Fever.
• New or worsening cough.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
• Gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting).
• Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
• Generalized muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call18776444545to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic.

To reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can go on the online portal quebec.ca/covidvaccine. You can also call 1-877-644-4545.

Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Wear a mask or face coveringis mandatory in enclosed public spaces across the province.
• Stay at least two metres away from other people as much as possible.
• Self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a stay outside the country.

You can find information on COVID-19 in the provincehereand information on the situation in Montrealhere.