Symptomatic Quebecers should stay home, mask up if sick: public health director

The COVID-19 situation in Quebec is getting better, according to the province’s institute of public health (INSPQ). But vulnerable Quebecers are urged to get their booster shots and wear a mask.

“We’re trying to put forward a common sense approach where if you have symptoms, severe symptoms, you stay home if you have a cough,” says microbiologist with the INSPQ, Dr. Jean Longtin, at a press conference Thursday.

He says people should still remain vigilant as there are multiple variants – like the more contagious BQ 1.1 – and other respiratory viruses circulating.

RELATED: Quebec COVID deaths rise, hospitalizations up, almost 3,400 health workers out sick

In September, Quebec saw an increase on COVID transmission – although less than during other waves – but hospitalizations went up.

By mid-October, the situation improved in almost all age groups but those 80+, cases have been up once again. 

The INSPQ predicts that the numbers will improve in the next few weeks, with hospitalizations continuing to go down. 

‘Moral rule’

The isolation period of five days is no longer mandatory. Public health director, Dr. Luc Boileau, and Dr. Jean Longtin say the evolution of the virus does not allow it to be effective anymore.

“We think that it would be better to just focus on the isolation period for the period that you are sick and having fever,” said Dr. Boileau. “So stay at home, get isolated for any kind of disease and please wear a mask when you will get out of this and while you will have symptoms.”

Dr. Boileau called it a “moral rule” to stay home for as long as you’re sick, adding that the five-day rule isn’t needed because some people’s symptoms improve earlier.

“It’s a question of respect for others,” said Dr. Longtin. “We hope that it is a similar matter to not drink and drive and don’t go out and sniffle.”

With holidays coming up, Dr. Boileau says it is unlikely that health measures will be re-introduced, but with the addition of other viruses – like RSV – and the flu likely to hit soon, Quebecers must be aware to further the spread in their community. He encourages getting a flu shot, too.

“We think that we should observe the evolution of the situation, and this situation should be carefully taken into consideration with many aspects,” he said. “But for now, we do expect that there will be kind of this impregnation in the behavior of the citizens and to be really careful about shifting our disease to others.”