Quebec ask the elderly 70+ to avoid gatherings

Quebec ask the elderly 70+ to avoid gatherings

In his daily press briefing on the evolution of COVID-19 within the province, the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, called on people aged 70+ to avoid gatherings in restaurants, shopping centers and other public places.

“Avoid gatherings in shopping centres and restaurants. Don’t have big dinners. Stay at home as much as possible”, said Legault. The Premier reminded citizens that the elderly are among the “at risk” population, for contracting the virus. Therefore, Legault advised the importance of respecting the public health directive of staying at home. He also invited the youth and young adults to call their parents and grandparents, to hear from them and ask them to protect themselves.

The Quebec Public Health Director, Dr. Horacio Arruda, reiterated the importance of respecting the confinement recommendations of the government, and continue to apply them.

He insisted that Quebeckers must see these measures in a positive way, in order to benefit this time as much as possible.

If you are not sick or have no symptoms: call your family doctor
François Legault insisted once again that people who are sick and have symptoms of COVID-19 should call 1 877 644-4545. These people should stay at home and avoid contact. “On the other hand, if you have other health problems that are not related to the virus, call your family doctor,” said Legault. An agreement has been reached with family doctors, who can now consult by telephone.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Danielle McCann, stressed that right now all essential equipment necessary to deal with the pandemic: swabs for tests, masks, gloves, respirators, visors and others, are available and in sufficient quantity.

As of 1PM Thursday, March 19, 121 cases of people with COVID-19 were confirmed in Quebec (1 in Outaouais). The government says COVID-19 remains stable in the province at the moment.