The number of new cases of COVID-19 in the province of Quebec has jumped above 1,000 for the first time since May. The number of cases has risen across the Valley and the surrounding areas as well, with 15 cases reported in the Haut-Saint-Laurent Local Health Network (LHN), 42 in the Suroît LHN, 57 in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges LHN, and 118 in the Jardins-Roussillon LHN. Currently, there are 60 outbreaks in the Montérégie, over half of which are in school environments.
“Touch on wood, we have only had a few cases,” says NFSB director general Rob Buttars, who confirms a case reported at Heritage Elementary School this week resulted in the preventive closure of a pre-kindergarten class. He says around 12 to 15 rapid COVID tests are being used per week within local elementary schools, while no preventive gargle tests have been required.
Just under 80 per cent of the population included in the Haut-Saint-Laurent LHN has been adequately vaccinated, with rates increasing incrementally. Amongst those aged 40 years and under, the current rate of vaccination sits a full ten per cent below those in neighbouring municipalities.
According to Dubé, at least 2,000 Quebecers per day are still rolling up their sleeves for their first dose. The Clic-Santé portal remains open to all those looking to book an appointment for a first or second dose. Those eligible for a third dose, including individuals above the age of 70, those who received two doses of the AstraZeneca or Covishield vaccine, and people who are immunocompromised or on dialysis, may also register for an appointment. Information on the vaccine for adults as well as the pediatric dose is available in both languages on the government’s website, Quebec.ca.