At least one case of the new Omicron variant has been confirmed in Quebec

The first case of the new Omigran variant was found in Quebec, Health Minister Christian Dube confirmed, urging Cubs aged 70 and over to receive their third dose as the holiday approaches.

Currently, at least 115 travelers returning to Quebec from South African countries affected by the new variant have been contacted to undergo a new screening test and to isolate themselves.

On Monday morning, Ontario announced that two Ottawa residents affected by the new variant had passed through Montreal on their way back from the trip.

“The federal government has tightened measures for travelers very quickly,” Minister Dube said during a press conference in Montreal with Horacio Arruda, National Director of Public Health.

“Wherever you travel, you have to be careful,” Dubé stressed, noting that the requirements set by the federal government may change quickly when passengers return. In particular, the list of target countries may be extended.

Listen to an interview with Andre Weilett, an immunologist at the University of Montreal Medical School

Further reason for vaccination

Among children, 32% of those already 5 to 11 years old have received the first dose of the vaccine or will receive it soon, “good news” Mr. Dubey was delighted. That means more than 200,000 children, and that number is expected to rise rapidly due to the school vaccination that began Monday.

For those who are still hesitant, the minister believes that the arrival of the new variant is another reason to protect themselves adequately. Most new cases of Covit-19 are found among those who have not been vaccinated, including children between the ages of 5 and 11 years.

3^e Dose

One-third of 70-year-olds did not receive the third dose of the Govt vaccine. Dubey said.

“It moves very slowly. […] Take your 3^e Dose, ”he stressed. This is especially true for those most vulnerable, such as those living in apartments. “We do not want this to start again. This is the origin of the explosions,” he said.

The government is waiting for the Quebec Immunization Committee’s new idea to vaccinate health workers so they can access a third dose sooner.

Anti-corruption

With the holiday season fast approaching, it will take at least two weeks for experts to adequately measure the penetration rate of the new variant.

Activities in effect at Christmas will not be mentioned until December 6, D said.^R. Rs.

Even those who have been adequately vaccinated need to be vigilant.

“We must absolutely respect health measures,” he said. Dubey said.

“Meetings at homes are limited to 10 people,” the minister recalled. He was therefore not allowed to rent a room to hold an “office party”, he stressed.

Quebec has asked the federal government to provide 10 million rapid tests, for example, in child care centers that can be used with children who do not have vaccine access.

– In collaboration with Olivier Faucher, Le Journal de Montreal