Provincial News Highlights – March 17th
Provincial News Highlights – March 17th
The Premier of Quebec, François Legault, reiterated the importance of applying the measures imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. During his daily press briefing, he stressed that meeting these demands could help save lives.
Tuesday evening, Quebec recorded 74 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on its territory, 11 more than what was announced at 1PM in the governments’ press conference. The Minister of Health, Danielle McCann, wished to recall that the government’s measures are as valid in urban areas as in rural areas.
Coverage of self-employed workers
Among the measures announced by the Quebec government, note the assistance program for workers affected by COVID-19 who will be able to receive up to $573 per week over a period of 14 days. Asked by journalists about his intentions for the self-employed workers, who find themselves in a situation where they are not in isolation but whose incomes are declining, Legault indicated that his government would wait for announcements from the federal side before taking a decision :
Quebec reminds to avoid all gatherings
In his message to Quebecers to respect public health directives, François Legault focused on raising awareness among youths. He also called on various sources of influence, such as artists, public figures, or even youtubers and influencers, to educate young people in order to adopt and apply the imposed prevention and hygiene instructions. The government thus wishes to avoid the situation of other countries, such as Korea and Italy, where young people have been described as “important agents of the spread of the virus”.
In this spirit, the government launched a communication campaign with the watchword: “Spread the info, not the virus”.
The Prime Minister finally wanted to repeat the directives of the public health authorities that all Quebecers must follow to “limit the contagion to COVID-19, flatten the transmission curve and, ultimately, save lives “:
– Wash your hands regularly with soap;
– Cough in your elbow;
– Keep a distance of 1 to 2 meters from each other;
– Avoid all gatherings that are not necessary, regardless of the number of people present;
– Isolate yourself for a period of 14 days if you return from a trip abroad, without exception, or if you experience symptoms related to the flu and colds;
– In case of symptoms, you must call 1 877 644-4545;
– For employers, it is necessary, as far as possible, to allow employees to telecommute. Also, employers must stop asking for medical tickets from their employees who must isolate themselves, so as not to unnecessarily clog the health and social services network.
To learn more about the coronavirus, the public is invited to consult the site Québec.ca / coronavirus.
Information about COVID-19 can also be obtained by calling 1 877 644-4545.
To learn more about the different updates, tune in CHIP 101.9 throughout the day.
