As he does every day, the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, reports on the most recent assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province. He is again accompanied by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Danielle McCann, and the National Director of Public Health, Horacio Arruda.
As of today there are 3,131 deaths in Quebec that is 118 more than yesterday. There are 39,225 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that is 756 more cases than yesterday. 1,841 people are in the hospital, including 187 whom are in intensive care.
While a large part of Quebec resumed its activities little by little yesterday, Legault expressed concern about the situation in the greater Montreal region.
Stores, elementary schools and daycare centres in Greater Montreal are waiting for the green light from public health. If the reopening date is set for May 25, nothing is set in stone yet, explained Mr. Legault
The message couldn't be clearer: François Legault showed up today wearing a mask. He also had a request for all Quebecers, from Montreal and from the regions: "When you go out, put on a mask," he said.
Legault today made 3 important recommendations:
- Always keep 2 metres from other people when possible
- Wash your hands.
- Wear a mask when you go out. Highly recommended when a 2-metre distance cannot be obtained.
The mask, or face covering, does not necessarily have to be like those worn by healthcare professionals. It can also be handcrafted, said Legault. Wearing a mask does not protect against COVID-19, he said, but it does protect those we meet if they are infected, with or without symptoms, by the coronavirus.
When you take the bus or the metro, or when you are in a situation where you are not necessarily able to make sure you are [two metres away], for example in a store […], it's better to have a mask, ”said the Prime Minister.
Our ways of living will change François Legault reminded Quebecers today "our ways of living will change in the coming years,” while a vaccine is not expected for the coming months. The next few years will not be “a long, calm river,” added Legault, asking Quebecers to follow health instructions to curb the spread of the virus.