Explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts from your couch

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) may be closed until March 30 due to COVID-19 concerns, but the museum wants would-be guests to continue to enjoy their galleries from home.

The MMFA, one of the most visited museums in Canada and North America, is making sure Canadians and virtual tourists alike can still get a look at the incredible works of art stored within.

“We need the healing powers of art in our lives now more than ever,” the museum wrote in a release. “While the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) may be closed, its virtual doors remain wide open.”

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Each morning, the MMFA will post its schedule for the day’s “cultural offering” on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

E-history buffs can also take the audio tour of the exhibit, Egyptian Mummies: Exploring Ancient Lives, and learn about the fascinating lives of six individuals who lived in ancient Egypt.

There’s also the MMFA’s educational platform, EducArt, that will give viewers access to a litany of resources for the whole family. Created by the MMFA, EducArt offers interdisciplinary teaching materials – covering everything from social studies to math – based on 350 works in the Museum’s collection.

“By drawing links between the artworks and high school topics, this tool offers families 60 activities across 17 themes and social issues,” the description reads. Access to EducArt is free for everyone.

According to Quebec public health officials, there are now 63 confirmed coronavirus cases in the province, up from four at this time last week.

Santé Quebec says that as of March 17 at 1 pm, along with the 63 confirmed, there are 3,513 cases “under investigation” and 3,723 tests have turned up negative.

Throughout the week, Santé Quebec said the province will increase its testing capacity to 6,000 a day.

Of the province’s total cases, Montreal has the most confirmed viruses by area with 21 followed by the Montérégie region with 11.

In Canada, the overall risk remains “low,” according to Santé Quebec.

The Quebec government has launched a bilingual website to help evaluate citizens’ risk of having contracted the coronavirus.

“The information presented here is for informational purposes only,” states the site. “This tool does not replace the judgement of a healthcare professional. If in doubt or for any more information, do not hesitate to contact the Quebec information hotline.”

The survey asks if you have any of the coronavirus symptoms (fever, coughing, difficulty breathing) and if anyone within your immediate circle has contracted the disease.

Amidst other virus-related questions, the survey gives you a “low” to “moderate” to “high” evaluation along with directions citizens should follow if they are deemed at risk.

#COVID19 – Au Québec, en date du 17 mars 13 h, la situation est la suivante :

➡️63 cas confirmés
➡️3513 personnes sous investigation
➡️3723 analyses négatives

Pour connaître le nombre de cas confirmés par régions : https://t.co/xMGNe5DB9d #santéquébec

— Santé Québec (@sante_qc) March 17, 2020

Note: With coronavirus on the rise, Quebec Public Health is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.