Quebec is reporting 3,631 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus.
Health officials say hospitalizations have increased to 347, a jump of 35 patients, with 74 listed in intensive care, an increase of 12.
According to the Health Department, 88 per cent of Quebecers aged five and older have received at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 81 per cent have received at least two doses and seven per cent have received a booster.
Premier Francois Legault reintroduced a series of measures coming into effect on Monday to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus and said Quebecers will need to cut their contacts by half.
This measure is included in stores, bars, restaurants theatres and gyms. Private gatherings will also be limited to ten people.
“We really need to follow those measures to the letter and in fact do even more than what the government recommends in terms of protecting ourselves for our collective good,” said Dr. Don Vinh, McGill University Health Centre Infectious Diseases Specialist.
Legault, in a message posted today on Facebook, called for a Christmas truce: an end to social media attacks and a renewed focus on reducing contacts, getting a booster and doing what’s necessary to reduce the impact on the health network.
“The government recommendations are the basic recommendations. It is like the bargain bin level of what we, you should be doing but we should be trying to excel,” said Dr. Don Vinh.
Quebec posted a pandemic record for daily infections on Friday with 3,768 cases.
With files by The Canadian Press – first published Dec. 18, 2021.
INDEX: ONTARIO/QUEBEC HEALTH