The virus returns for the summer

Wearing a face covering in “crowded places” and getting your fourth dose: here is what the national director of public health, Dr.^r Luc Boileau, due to the increase in cases of COVID-19.

“We are seeing an increase in cases and even hospitalizations,” said Dr.^r Boileau at a press briefing. On Wednesday, Quebec recorded an increase of 34 people hospitalized, for a total of 1260. The national director of public health indicated that the new subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5, very contagious, are currently responsible for three out of four cases of COVID-19 in Quebec.

The rise in the number of cases should continue in the coming days, said Mr. Boileau, who hopes for a decrease in the coming weeks. Despite the increase in virus transmission and hospitalizations, it is still “too early” to speak of a seventh wave, argued the D^r Jean Longtin, microbiologist-infectiologist and clinical expert from the Ministry of Health, during the press briefing.

In this context, the D^r Boileau invited immunocompromised people, people aged 60 and over and those who suffer from a chronic illness to make their appointment for a fourth dose. However, they must ensure that their last injection or infection dates back more than three months.

These people who are particularly at risk of developing a serious form of the disease are also encouraged to “resume wearing a mask” if they wish. Especially when they go to places where we “are very, very tight with other people”, such as events or festivals, added the D^r Boileau.

Since June 18, it is no longer mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport. With regard to other public places, such as shops and schools, the obligation was lifted on May 14.

The national director of public health clarified that he was not considering imposing measures again on the entire population, such as wearing a mask. The D^r Boileau also believes that it is possible to “enjoy your summer” keeping in mind that the virus is still circulating.

According to the D^r Don Vinh, microbiologist-infectiologist at the MUHC, we should not necessarily drop the wearing of a face covering because it is no longer mandatory. “The problem is that when the government decrees that it is no longer compulsory [de porter le masque], people interpret this announcement as the end of the pandemic, when it is far from over. »

The recommendation to wear a face covering remains relevant for “anyone who wants to continue to protect themselves from the potential effects of the virus with long COVID”, notes Nathalie Grandvaux, researcher at the CHUM research center on viral respiratory infections.

Up to 1500 hospitalizations

Within the next two weeks, the National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services predicts an increase in the number of new hospitalizations to around 150 per day, as well as an increase in the number of ordinary beds occupied by patients with of COVID-19, which would reach approximately 1,500. In intensive care, the number of beds would increase slightly.

The number of healthcare workers absent due to the virus, 6,285 as of Wednesday, is also up, Dr.^r Luc Boileau. “This is an element that concerns us, considering the precarious situation that we live in the hospitals in the summer, he said. This is a normal period of calm and absences for vacation reasons. »

On the health care system’s ability to manage rising infections, Dr.^r Boileau retorted that the network was “not necessarily happy, but people are able to be there and provide services”. He acknowledged that the situation would be “more difficult” in some places.

The D^r Luc Boileau also recalled that vaccines were always “very effective” in protecting against severe forms of COVID-19, “even in the context of these new variants”.

New vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, expected this fall, “will likely cover newer variants better,” Dr.^r John Longtin. However, the quantity and date of arrival of these remain unknown.

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