The province reported its highest number of cases in a single day on Dec. 2, with 1,514 new cases having been diagnosed in the previous 24 hours. It is a sure sign the government may be losing control over the spread of the virus.
As a result, Premier Francois Legault announced in a press conference on Thursday that gathering over the holidays for those living in red zones will be prohibited. “When we look at the situation, we are forced to realize that it is not realistic to think that we are going to succeed in reducing the progression of the virus in a satisfactory way by Christmas,” he said. The visitation rules allowing for visits with people living alone will remain in place but are not recommended. Visits to long term care facilities will now be prohibited.
The number of cases in the Montérégie seems to be steadily climbing. A total of 1,207 new cases were diagnosed between Nov. 26 and Dec. 2. During this same period, the region saw 31 hospitalizations and recorded 25 deaths. The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent registered less than five new cases over this past week, and currently there are fewer than 5 active cases. Neighbouring regions are not faring as well, however. The MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville has reported 18 new cases over the same time period, while the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry reported 28, and the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges reported 102 new cases. Despite the low numbers in Haut-Saint-Laurent, the region is surrounded by areas that continue to be affected, and as such, will remain in the red zone bound by the same restrictions.
Regular mobile testing clinics continue to be made available in the region without appointment for anyone experiencing symptoms, as well as anyone who has been exposed to the virus, or who have come into contact with someone who has been advised by public health to get tested. The next clinic will take place on Friday, Dec. 4, at Collège de Valleyfield, 169 rue Champlain, Salaberry-de- Valleyfield from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.