Dr. Boileau adamant no new COVID measures despite Quebec public health warnings
Posted April 13, 2022 4:38 pm.
Last Updated April 13, 2022 6:50 pm.
As Quebec Public Health sounded the alarm over rising cases and hospitalizations, Dr. Luc Boileau maintained that the province is unlikely to bring back COVID measures, like a curfew, but is warning people to remain vigilant.
“That the virus is still very contagious in the community. It’s spreading again. There’s a lot of people, many thousands every day. So they have to get they have to be very careful with that. And in particular, for the elderly people or people that are at risk,” said Dr. Boileau.
With hospitalizations for the virus now at above 2,000 patients and over 12,000 health care workers absent from the system for COVID-related reasons, like preventive withdrawal, isolation, or awaiting test results – there are delays – with some appointments being postponed.
RELATED: Quebec COVID hospitalizations with major increase, over 12,000 health workers absent
But Dr. Boileau says it’s not being adopted as a general province-wide policy, rather on a case-by-case basis.
Public health adds that many are expected to come down with colds and flu in the coming days as Quebec deals with a delayed flu season. And Omicron’s symptoms often present like that of a common cold.
“It’s quite unusual to have a flu season in April. Yet this is what we’re facing right now. And this is somehow expected because when we lift the public health measures, while other viruses are going to be coming around, and since influenza and other viruses were not around for about two years, three years, then there might be some catching up on their parts for infections,” explained Dr. Jean Longtin, Microbiologist, Quebec’s Health Ministry.
“So right now, this is the reason why it’s so important, especially for the gathering of coming Easter, Passover, etc.. To be very clear, if you have symptoms, no matter how mild it is, it could just be a sore throat.
“Don’t visit your relative, especially if they’re vulnerable. So very important. No matter even if you’re COVID testing negative, it could be flu, it could be something else. Could be just it’s not positive yet. Stay home. Isolate.”
Among eligible Quebecers – 54 per cent have received a third dose of the vaccine so far.
WATCH: Quebec health update
Fourth doses in the province are open to those 60 plus, as well as the immunocompromised.
But Dr. Boileau understands why some may be stalling in getting their boosters
“They feel that like if they are well protected with two doses because in fact they are protected but not as good with as with third dose. The other thing is that they expect it to be a mild disease, which is the case for a lot of them and in particular if they have been vaccinated before. But for some of them it’s a tough ride and especially if you haven’t had the chance to be vaccinated at all.”
As religious holidays have begun and many are expected to come together – public health reminding people of the risks
“We’re not suggesting not to gather, we’re suggesting to do so being conscious of the risk and being careful with who we are going to meet and make sure that no one has symptoms or recently had or had an infection a week ago. Seeing that, I’m completely okay. I have no symptoms since three days. I don’t do fever anymore. And it’s perfect. Oh, it was very mild. No problem. It lasted for two days. No, no, no. Ten days. So we have to be careful. We can be in good shape, but the virus can contagious. Can be contagious for ten days. Keep that in mind.”
