‘The pandemic is not over’ says Quebec public health as more measures are eased
Posted March 10, 2022 12:00 pm.
Last Updated March 10, 2022 7:10 pm.
Quebecers who have been in contact at home with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 will no longer have to self-isolate.
The province’s interim public health director announced the new isolation guidelines will go into effect on Saturday, when most of the province’s COVID-19 public health measures come to an end.
Dr. Luc Boileau says people who have been in contact with a positive case will be able to go about their lives, but for 10 days they will have to monitor for symptoms, wear a mask and avoid situations where they have to remove their face covering or are in close contact with others, especially those at high risk.
Previously, anyone living with an infected person had to isolate for five days.
The announcement was made Thursday at a press conference, alongside senior strategic medical advisor for the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) Dr. Marie-France Raynault.
“We also recommend that they avoid visiting their grandparents or those who are sick or recovering from cancer for 10 days,” said Raynault.
They also said a fourth booster shot could be soon recommended for those at high-risk, like the immunocompromised. An announcement is coming shortly.
More good news
Boileau said the government was not ready to lift all mask mandates, but that it could happen sooner than the expected mid-April – around the end of March.
“We are now at fewer than 1,200 beds for hospitalizations, which is huge,” he said. “The situation is generally improving in intensive care too.”
“The pandemic is not over, Omicron is different, it is more contagious, it is less deadly, but it’s still deadly, it’s still serious,” explained Dr. Boileau, stressing the importance of Quebecers continuing to protect themselves and each other.
Another bit of long-awaited positive news – proms are back for high school students.
“It will be a normal prom for these young people,” said Dr. Raynault. “We have an extremely well vaccinated student population, so young people will be able to celebrate and take advantage of COVID measures easing at the end of the school year.”
Restrictions easing Saturday
As of Saturday, March 12, only the wearing of a mask will still be in force in the province, while a vaccine passport will no longer be required in places where it was once mandatory.
Capacity in bars and restaurants will also be restored to 100% starting Saturday as well.
While public health officials say they will be keeping a close eye to see how the epidemiological situation evolves, they are confident that the recent decisions they’ve made are prudent.
“The level of immunity within the community, almost three million Quebecers infected by now, is now ready to accept the easing of measures,” said Dr. Boileau.
