Quebec schools could remain closed until May as coronavirus cases climb to 139

Quebec Premier François Legault has announced there are 139 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus as of Friday afternoon.

Ten people are hospitalized and six of them are intensive care. About 2,400 people are awaiting test results, and nearly 7,700 individuals have been given the all-clear.

The situation remains under control, said Legault, but he noted the coming weeks will be difficult.

“We can’t give up,” Legault said.

READ MORE: Côte Saint-Luc urging public to take precautions after COVID-19 cases confirmed in community

While Quebec schools are closed until March 30, Legault said it is likely elementary and high school students will only return to school at the beginning of May.

“We are looking at different scenarios,” he said.

In a bid to contain the virus, Quebecers are being urged to stay home as much as possible. Aside from closing schools, the province has banned large indoor gatherings and shut down non-essential services.

“If you are sick, if have you symptoms, stay home,” Legault said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If you are sick, if have you symptoms, stay home," Legault said.

In anticipation of overcrowding, the province has also freed up 4,000 beds in the health-care system by cancelling elective surgeries.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The Quebec government is also moving up some public infrastructure projects in a bid to help construction workers laid off in the private sector.

Legault said the projects will continue “with the necessary precautions.”

Individuals frequented places in Montreal, Quebec

Public health authorities also announced on Friday that individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 were in several public places in Montreal over the past week.

People who were in the following areas at the same time are being asked to monitor for symptoms:

• The 24 bus headed westbound on Sherbrooke Street between Notre-Dame Hospital and the Fine Arts Museum between 10:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. on March 12
• Aunja Restaurant between 12:25 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. on March 13

Outside of Montreal, public health said people who contracted the virus had visited places in Lanaudière.

The people both frequented locations in Lavaltrie and Berthierville:

• FADOQ in Lavaltrie between 12:15 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. on March 11
• Centre d’action bénévole de Berthier in Berthierville between 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. on March 12

Quebec taps hotels to help

Hotels in Quebec are preparing to ease a looming burden on the province’s health-care system over COVID-19.

Public health authorities are in discussions with hotels located near hospitals about the possibility of offering up accommodations for patients.

READ MORE: Trudeau says irregular migrants will be turned away at Canada-US border

The Association Hôtellerie Québec said in a statement that hotels would take in patients who are not contagious and have minor health issues while hospitals treat individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Xavier Gret, president of the association, said hoteliers are mobilizing because they want to help fight the outbreak.

“It should, however, be understood that we have no indication to predict the effort that will be required for this purpose,” he said in a statement.

— With files from the Canadian Press