Advertisement

Quebecers flouting coronavirus rules can expect hefty fines, premier warns

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: Quebec to increase wages of workers in contact with COVID-19 patients'
Coronavirus outbreak: Quebec to increase wages of workers in contact with COVID-19 patients
Quebec Premier Francois Legault said on Thursday the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Chair of the Conseil du trésor, Christian Dubé, and Health Minister Danielle McCann would be announcing an improvements to the wages of workers in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. He also said those working in private residences and homes would see an increase of $4 to their hourly wages – Apr 2, 2020

Quebec’s premier is calling on police forces and municipalities across the province to crack down on citizens flouting social-distancing measures as the number of novel coronavirus cases spiked on Thursday.

François Legault said fines can go as high as $6,000 for anyone who breaks the rules such as holding large gatherings.

“I think that’s deserved for people not respecting the rules,” he said during his daily update in Quebec City.

As of Thursday, three more Quebecers have died as a result of COVID-19, bringing the province’s total to 36 fatalities.

READ MORE: Montreal police called to city opposition leader’s home over celebration

There are 5,518 confirmed cases — up more than 900 from the previous day. It is the highest jump in infections in the province to date.

Story continues below advertisement

There are 365 people in hospital and 96 of them are in intensive care, but Legault stressed that the health-care system is prepared to handle more cases.

“It is certain that one death is one death too many, but when we look at the percentage of the population, we have far fewer deaths in Quebec than in the United States or in all countries in Europe,” he said.

“So it has to stay that way, but for it to stay like that, everyone has to follow the directives.”

READ MORE: Montreal parks will close if public doesn’t respect coronavirus rules, mayor warns

While the majority of people are respecting the rules, Legault said some citizens are risking others’ lives and health by not following the province’s guidelines.

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

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The public must work together in the fight against the pandemic, he added.

“It’s serious,” he said. “There are lives in danger.”

When it comes to medical equipment, Legault reiterated the health-care system has enough ventilators to get through the pandemic’s peak.

However, there is only enough protective gear for the next week before the province experiences a shortage.

“It’s not ideal,” he said. “But it’s a better situation than many other states.”

Story continues below advertisement

More support for health-care workers

The deepening health crisis has led the province to temporarily increase the salaries of health-care workers in contact with patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

The government is investing $287 million, retroactive to March 13 in order to support employees.

“I think we want to recognize the great work, the very important of health-care workers,” said Health Minister Danielle McCann, adding the government is taking into account the extra efforts by staff during the pandemic.

When it comes to the public sector, intensive care, long-term care and screening clinic workers will get an eight per cent salary raise. Other workers such as 811 responders and housekeepers will get a four per cent raise.

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: Quebec confirms three new deaths, cases at 5,518'
Coronavirus outbreak: Quebec confirms three new deaths, cases at 5,518

As part of the plan, orderlies in private residences will also get an additional $4 per hour as a temporary measure.

Story continues below advertisement

Their salaries — which are typically $13 or $14 per hour — are “very low,” said Legault.

“I’ve never seen a group that deserves a raise quite like them,” he said.

Montreal increases police presence in parks

The Island of Montreal accounts for nearly half of the province’s COVID-19 cases with more than 2,500 confirmed infections as of Thursday.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced she is extending the city’s state of emergency to deal with the pandemic.

The city will also bolster police presence in local parks to ensure Montrealers are obeying physical distancing and not gathering in large groups.

After Legault highlighted the need to enforce the restrictions, Montreal police said they will no longer tolerate violations and dole out fines when necessary.

Story continues below advertisement

With files from the Canadian Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices