In his first appearance at a press conference on COVID-19 in six months, Prime Minister Francois Lego said that life is almost back to normal thanks to the vaccine. It urges people who haven’t had a dose in the last five months or more to get another dose. “More people will be in, there will be more transmission,” Legault said. “So this is a very good time to start a mass vaccination campaign.” Quebecers aged 75 and over can make an appointment to receive a fifth dose of the virus starting today. Healthcare personnel are also allowed to take advantage of this priority period. Those over 60 can make an appointment from Monday, as well as those aged 12 and over who have health conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Anyone over the age of 18 will be able to book from August 29. Those over 60 will be able to make an appointment for the fifth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from Monday, with all adults eligible from 29 August. (Quebec Ministry of Health) The news comes a day after Quebec began offering fifth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to residents of long-term care homes and private nursing homes. All Quebec adults can already receive a fourth dose five months after their last vaccination. “I’m asking you to get your booster dose for three reasons: first for you, then for the vulnerable people around you, and then for the health network staff,” Legault said.
300,000 doses per week
Legault was joined on Tuesday by Minister of Health Chirstian Dubé, Director of Public Health Dr. Luc Boileau and infectious disease specialist Dr. Caroline Quach. According to Dubé, the health network can currently provide 300,000 doses of vaccine per week. “We have the option for everyone who wants to be vaccinated,” he said. In total, about 150 vaccination clinics will be accessible, not counting pharmacies, the minister said. The mass vaccination area at the Olympic Stadium will also reopen.
No new measure ahead of the school year
Legault said public health does not recommend reinstating any mandatory measures, such as wearing masks. “On the other hand, public health … is still free to make recommendations to the government on the implementation of mandatory measures,” he said. Boileau said public health is not considering further action, particularly because no new variant has been identified in Quebec at this time. However, the leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec said the Coalition Avenir Québec government is not ready to deal with the virus in schools. “You feel like things are being improvised,” said Dominique Anglade. “It’s not the first time [we’re] entering the school in this situation and again the government does not seem ready to deal [it].” Anglade said ventilation in schools remains a major concern and criticized the Legault administration for what she says has been a failure to address it. Boileau, however, said public health is not recommending new protective standards to ensure air quality is maintained in schools. “If schools want to have these measures, we can let them,” he said, referring to some schools that have taken the initiative to install, among other things, air purifiers. “Our classrooms are safe, we’re following public health recommendations. That’s all,” Legault said.
