COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday - CBC.ca

• Quebec reported 161 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and one new death.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 373,531 confirmed cases and 11,178 people have died.
• There are 178 people in hospital (a decrease of 14), including 41 in intensive care (a decrease of four). 
• 99,580 vaccine doses were administered in Quebec for a total of 7,055,053.
• 78 per cent of the eligible population of Quebecers have received one dose of vaccine, and 16 per cent have received two doses.

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Quebec's health minister is apologizing for an "error of communication" regarding the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, after a notice on the provincial government's website said that people who received it for their first dose should switch to either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna for their second dose.

The notice on the website stated that the recommendation came from the province's immunization committee (CIQ).

Today, however, Christian Dubé said the wording of the message was wrong.

Dubé said people who received a first shot of AstraZeneca can stick with the same vaccine for their second shot, or they can opt for Pfizer or Moderna.

The CIQ says preliminary data suggests mixing doses produces a better immune response, especially against coronavirus variants.

Pfizer deliveries to slow down, 2nd dose appointments may be more limited

The province will receive 600,000 fewer doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine than what was originally planned between July 5 and July 19, and it will likely affect people's ability to move up their second dose.

Appointments that have already been made or moved up will be honoured.

This will not affect those who plan to receive the Moderna or AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines for their second dose.

However, people who try to move up their appointments for the second dose of the Pfizer shot may only find spots later in the summer, possibly later in July or in August. 

Despite the decrease in deliveries, the province still plans to administer two doses to 75 per cent of people aged 12 and up by Aug. 31.

WATCH | A breakdown of what's allowed in Quebec's yellow zones

Cases are dropping and vaccinations are increasing. We're officially now in the Yellow zone. While some public health restrictions must still be respected, life is about to feel a lot more normal in Quebec. 3:01

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• Fever. 
• New or worsening cough. 
• Difficulty breathing. 
• Sudden loss of smell without a stuffy nose.
• Gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting).
• Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
• Generalized muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

If you think you may have COVID-19, the government asks that you call 1‑877‑644‑4545 to schedule an appointment at a screening clinic.  

To reserve an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, you can go on the online portal quebec.ca/covidvaccine. You can also call 1-877-644-4545.

Quebec government reminders for preventing the spread of COVID-19: 

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Wear a mask or face covering is mandatory in enclosed public spaces across the province.
• Stay at least two metres away from other people as much as possible. 
• Self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a stay outside the country.

You can find information on COVID-19 in the province here and information on the situation in Montreal here. 

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COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday - CBC.ca
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