Quebec, we know you're getting together this weekend. Here's how to try to stay COVID-free
CBC
More than two years and six waves later, it's safe to say Quebecers are fed up with this pandemic.
And with the long weekend upon us, a lot of people will be planning to gather with friends and family, especially those who celebrate Easter and Passover.
After all, it's been a while since there's been a long weekend with so few COVID-19 restrictions in effect.
CBC News spoke with experts who shared tips on how to help limit the risk of infection during your weekend gatherings.
Indoor gatherings are allowed. After all, the province has lifted most pandemic restrictions. But this weekend's large get-togethers come with risk.
"People should consider minimizing unnecessary gatherings," said Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious diseases specialist and medical microbiologist at the McGill University Health Centre.
"That, however, is not realistic, and perhaps even extreme."
Quebec just surpassed 2,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations this week for the first time since mid-February, when the province was recovering from an Omicron-fuelled fifth wave that pushed the health-care system to its limit.
And although PCR tests are not as available as they once were, Quebec still reported more than 3,000 confirmed cases on both Wednesday and Thursday.
No one can stop you from going to that big dinner party with 20 or 30 people, but experts say it's important to be prudent and mindful of others, especially those who are more vulnerable to the disease.
Experts agree that if you have any COVID-19 symptoms — no matter how mild — you should cancel your plans and stay home.
"If you're feeling symptomatic, don't push it," said Dr. Matthew Oughton, an infectious diseases specialist at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital.
"Don't put those around you at risk of getting exposed. Say, 'Thanks, sorry, I'm going to stay home,' and maybe order DoorDash or Uber or something like that."
Oughton says you should watch for symptoms such as a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and body aches.
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