There is no question of removing the obligation to wear a mask at all times in CEGEPs and universities in the province. The lifestyle of the students – not their vaccination rate – explains this result of public health.
Quebec announced earlier this week that from November 15, high school students will no longer have to wear masks in areas of the province that need to be worn. However, they have to cover their faces in public places and on school buses.
College and university students will have to wait a little longer. Public health considers it “best” to maintain current activities.
“Yes, college and university students get more vaccinated, but they don’t live in a vacuum: they mix with others in the 18-29 age group. In addition, at CEGEP and the University, students may come from elsewhere and live in a dormitory or apartment, but may return to other areas on weekends and holidays, ”explains Marjorie Larouche, porter of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS). )
Quick tests on McGill
In a message sent to its community on Thursday, McGill University noted that over the Halloween weekend, its students were “plenty” to gather “over the holidays and attend bars and restaurants”.
Although 85% of teaching activities have been resumed in person, the university has announced that it will establish a pilot project this fall, although it has made it clear that COVID-19 cases are rare on its campuses. No symptoms of COVID-19.
From next week, students, teachers and other staff will be able to test on a voluntary basis.
These rapid tests are “in addition to the security measures already in place” on campus, the University of Montreal said in a statement to its community. Results are available in about 20 minutes, but if a test is positive, it should be confirmed by a PCR test conducted at a screening center.
As is the case at all Quebec universities, there is no need to be vaccinated to take courses at McGill University. The vaccine is required in passport libraries and for certain functions.
Hospital admissions are expected to decrease
In addition, the rising number of cases in the province should not have a short-term impact on hospital admissions, which could continue to decline over the next few weeks, according to a report by the National Health and Social Services. Thursday.
Overall, the number of new hospitals in Quebec, especially in Greater Montreal, is expected to decline slightly.
Elsewhere in Quebec, occupation rates for regular beds and intensive care beds are relatively low, and it is expected to remain stable over the next two to three weeks.
“Generally, an increase in cases increases hospital admissions, but if the increase in cases affects younger groups more, the increase in hospital admissions will be smaller,” says Dr.R. Gaston de Ceres is an epidemiologist at the National Institutes of Health (INSPQ) in Quebec and a member of the Quebec Immunization Committee.
The MSSS identified 588 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the daily average to 533, up 27% in a week. The absence of deaths on Thursday brings the daily average to three. This is slightly less than last week.
The number of hospital admissions has dropped, with a total of 241 people now admitted to the hospital, seven less than the previous day. Now 63 are in intensive care, seven less.
Vaccine efficacy
Even in the presence of the delta variant, a new INSPQ study released on Wednesday shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is 95% effective against mortality and 94% against hospitalization.
“It’s very interesting and satisfying.
The effectiveness of the vaccine against all infections is at least 89%, whereas at least one mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is available in two doses. However, the efficacy was 73% in those who received two doses of AstraZeneca. “It is very effective against more severe forms,” Mr. Says Lamarre.
What’s more, the effectiveness of this excellent vaccine is also prolonged. Vaccine efficacy against hospital admissions and mortality was relatively stable until the end of the study, i.e. seven months after the second dose.
