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COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday

Quebec has entered a third wave of COVID-19, and the AstraZeneca shot has been suspended for use among those 55 and under. Here's what you need to know.

Quebec has suspended AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 55

CBC News Posted: Mar 29, 2021 6:21 AM EDT | Last Updated: March 30, 2021

Many high school students in Grades 9 to 11 are going back to full-time, in-person learning in Quebec's red zones starting today. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

Quebec reported 891new caseson Mondayand five new deaths.
Since the start of the pandemic, there have been309,202confirmed cases and10,651people have died.
There are 477people in hospital (a decrease of three), including 120in intensive care (an increase of six).
38,801doses ofvaccine were administered in the last 24 hours for atotal of 1,261,855sinceDec. 14.

Quebec has suspended the use ofthe AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine forpeople under the age of 55 out of caution, following updated guidelines from theNational Advisory Committee on Immunization.

The new national guidelines, reported by CBC News,were prompted by reports of rare blood clots in some immunized patients.

The decision comes as the province enters a third wave of the pandemic,Health Minister Christian Dub acknowledged earlier in the day.

New AstraZeneca guidelines will have impact on Quebec's vaccination campaign: Arruda

3 years ago

4:04

Quebec's director of public health, Dr. Horacio Arruda, comments on the province officially entering the third wave of the pandemic.

Quebec suspends giving doses of AstraZeneca to those under 55, though no issues reported in Canada

He said the government had anticipated another rise in cases, but that the decision to have students in grades 9 to 11 return full-time, as well asre-open gyms and other fitness centres, was made with people's well being in mind.

"It's a balance," he said.

Since March 12, there have been more than 500 suspected or confirmed cases of the variants in Quebec schools.

The English Montreal School Board is among the school boards taking a more cautious approach only students in Grade 9 will fully return to class today. Grades 10 and 11 will go back when the school board decides it's safe.

Quebec has entered 3rd wave of COVID-19, health minister says

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).

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 coveringwhen physical distancing is not possible. Wearing a mask is 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.

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COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday

Quebec has suspended AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 55

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