Health minister urges Quebecers to avoid social gatherings

Health Minister Christian Dubé is urging all Quebecers to avoid social gatherings.

At a press conference on Thursday from the capital, Dubé said there is “significant community transmission” and that it’s time to break it.

Quebec has been dealing with a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and Dubé thinks the oft-mentioned guidelines of washing hands, physical distancing, and wearing a mask isn’t enough to fend off the virus.

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“We have to stick to what is essential, like going to work, going to school, and avoiding all social contact.”

Dubé says a difficult second wave is a balance between making sacrifices when it comes to our social lives. He says failure to do so could result in another lockdown period.

“Avoid family suppers, gatherings with friends, BBQs, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, and all occasions where we multiply our contact,” he continued.

Dubé says the majority of contaminations are coming from gatherings, friends, and family members. “I know I’m repeating myself, but this is where we hurt ourselves the most,” he said.

La contamination actuelle est générée principalement par les rassemblements avec la famille et les amis. C’est donc là-dessus qu’on doit voir des changements si on ne veut pas tomber dans le rouge. 🎥 Suivez notre point de presse en direct 👇 https://t.co/iwqtJ3YBDF

— François Legault (@francoislegault) September 24, 2020

The health minister says if Quebecers continue this way, we will “hit a wall.” He says if we start making conscious efforts now, we can make a difference.

“I’m asking you, please,” he concluded. “You can make a difference by limiting your social contact in the next few weeks.”

On Thursday, public health announced 582 new COVID-19 cases since Wednesday morning, increasing the province’s total to 69,670.