More cases expected for back-to-school but not a “catastrophic” situation

Quebec public health officials provided an update on the COVID-19 situation across the province Wednesday, as families get ready for back-to-school next week.

They said they do expect an increase in cases, but not a catastrophic situation, with several students having caught COVID-19 recently.

“A lot of kids are immune and all kids now have access to vaccination, which is different from a year ago,” said Dr. Luc Boileau, Quebec public health director.

Public health officials said parents should send children to school as the benefits outweigh the risks and kids, like adults, are catching COVID-19 everywhere.

“What we’ve seen in the severity of COVID-19 in kids, is that it is less than influenza, so we think children will cope pretty well,” explained Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, pediatrician and chair of Quebec’s immunization committee.

“The social benefits of being in school physically are very important, the benefits are great, and the risk of COVID-19 is not as great so I encourage them to send their kids to school,” added Dr. Marie-France Raynault, senior strategic medical advisor for the Health Ministry’s public health branch.

They also reminded Quebecers COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children as of 6 months, recommending vaccination particularly for vulnerable youth.

“Vulnerable kids include immunocompromised children, who have medical conditions that increase their risks,” explained Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh.

Wearing a mask in school will not be reinstated this year.

“We do not think that there is a need for systematic mask wearing at school. It depends on their own situation, if you are immunocompromised, you should wear a mask,” explained Dr. Luc Boileau.

Students will be able to get tested for COVID-19 at school, with the permission of their parents. They will also distribute two boxes of rapid tests to students as they start school to bring home.

“We ask parents not to bring symptomatic children to school, test them, that is the first rule,” said Dr. Marie-France Raynault.

If they test positive, students will be sent home for five days. If they are well enough to go back to school after that time they can, but cannot participate in extracurricular activities for an additional five days.

“Schools are also asked to do a good cleaning and provide good air ventilation,” said Dr. Marie-France Raynault.

RELATED

• Quebec to start vaccinating those under five years old as of Monday 
• Moderna to supply Canada with 12M doses of Omicron-targeted vaccine
• Canada approves COVID-19 booster shot for kids aged 5 to 11

Quebec’s public health director says the new vaccine, adapted to better protect against Omicron, will be available in the province in two weeks. This vaccine will only be available for those 18-years and older.

Booster shots are also now open for those 18-years and older, and will be open to kids as of next week. Public health officials said if you contracted COVID-19, wait five months after the contraction date before getting your booster, for kids aged 5 and up, as well as adults.

On Wednesday, the province recorded 29 more deaths related to COVID-19 and 40 fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations.

#COVID19 – En date du 22 août, voici la situation au Québec: https://t.co/TG8KBlln4B pic.twitter.com/Gzl7yf7Db8

— Santé Québec (@sante_qc) August 23, 2022