COVID-19 Update for Thursday, May 14
Avleen K Mokha
Key updates from today’s press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency:
The province confirmed 40,724 cases of COVID-19. That’s an increase of 793 cases. Half of these cases are from Montreal, which has 20,633 cases, as of 1 pm today.
Quebec has 3,351 deaths due to COVID-19. That’s 131 new deaths since yesterday’s update.
1834 people are hospitalized in the province due to the illness. That’s a decrease of 42 since yesterday’s update. 190 people are receiving intensive care.
Elementary schools, daycares, and some businesses in Greater Montreal were set to reopen May 25. But the province says Montreal’s situation is too fragile to safely reopen.
Elementary schools in Greater Montreal will stay closed till the end of August. Daycares will not reopen till June 1. This date may be postponed if things in Montreal don’t improve.
Reopening businesses by May 25 will depend on how many people can wear masks in public. Quebec will provide financial aid to the City of Montreal to increase the availability of masks.
The province strongly recommends Montrealers wear masks in public, especially when a distance of two meters cannot be maintained. Using masks should accompany regular hand washing and keeping distance from others.
Soldiers of Canadian Armed Forces, who are helping out at long term senior care facilities, will stay at least until June 12 to provide relief.
