Dr Cécile Tremblay, a microbiologist and infectious disease specialist at CHUM Hospital in Montreal, says the county health care system could soon be flooded – once again – with 10,000 healthcare workers already retired. work in the midst of the sixth pandemic wave of infections. In two weeks, the province is expected to lift almost all of its coverage requirements. Although the interim director of public health Dr. Luc Boileau said he would advise the government on whether to keep the mask orders and impose restrictions again next week, Health Minister Christian Dubé said, so far, those plans have not changed. Boileau said he expects the Quebecs to use common sense, be careful and reduce their contacts. Dr. Cécile Tremblay is an infectious disease specialist at CHUM Hospital in Montreal. (Radio Canada)
But Tremblay said that would not be enough to protect the hospital’s capacity. The Omicron BA.2 variant is even more contagious than the previous one – up to 70 percent higher than some estimates, he said. “I do not think that [government] “The message is right now,” Tremblay said, noting that it leaves people at risk of coping on their own. “Ten to 12 people a day die from COVID. You know, there are a lot of people who die,” he said. “Does that mean living with the virus? Not for me. I do not accept that.” Tremblay said it was not in favor of another full shutdown, but called on the government to maintain restrictions and reduce capacity in some businesses where there is a higher risk of contamination, such as restaurants. “The pandemic is not over and this sixth wave will probably be as bad as the fifth. We should at least have the same sense of urgency,” Tremblay said. On Thursday, the county reported 1,238 people in hospital, 3,319 new cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths.

“Time to act as responsible citizens”

Myrna Lashley, a psychologist and associate professor at McGill University, said it was clear the government was reluctant to reintroduce restrictions because it was concerned about reactions and financial repercussions. As a result, Lashley advises Quebecists to be careful to protect themselves and others. Psychologist Myrna Lashley says Quebec residents have a duty to act responsibly as COVID infections continue to rise, but public health rules are beginning to loosen. (Naskademini)
“A lot of people complained that they were being treated like children and that their ministry was being taken away from them and they were being told what to do,” Lashley said. “Well, now is the time to show this sense of responsibility. Now is the time to really act as responsible citizens.” The news that a sixth wave was under way came as Dubé began consultations on Thursday on his bill to end the health emergency. In response to opposition criticism that he was trying to retain too much emergency power, Dubbe introduced amendments and a new title to the bill on Thursday to reflect the “temporary and transitional” measures the government wants to maintain. One of the amendments will extend explicit measures such as authorizing health professionals such as dental hygienists and veterinarians to administer vaccines for COVID-19 and allowing distance education in schools, among other measures. It will also allow the government to maintain the coverage provisions until 31 December at the latest. However, a spokesman for the minister said the measure would be maintained until “Dr. Boile has a new recommendation on the matter”.