Quebec goes into ‘emergency mode’
Quebec Premier François Legault asked people returning from abroad to self- isolate for 14 days and cancelled large indoor gatherings Thursday as he called on Quebecers to join the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
While the situation remains under control in the province, Legault said, it’s time for Quebecers to go into “emergency mode” to ensure the spread of novel coronavirus doesn’t turn into a crisis.
“I think the next few weeks will be critical, and it’s important we take measures to try not to have too many people contaminated,” he said in Quebec City alongside the province’s health minister and public health director.
The two- week isolation will be mandatory for public sector workers returning from outside the country. They will continue to be paid.
He said all indoor events attracting crowds of more than 250 people would be cancelled, and he asked organizers to reconsider any other large gatherings that are not considered essential.
He also asked businesses to allow their workers to work from home if possible and to show understanding to those who have to miss work.
Legault acknowledged the measures will affect everything from sporting events to tourism to the business community, which is already struggling with the effects of a stock market crash.
“I think we have a major challenge, and if we want to succeed, I need the help of all Quebecers,” he said. “I know I’m asking a lot … but the situation is very critical.”
He said he would announce financial measures in the next days to compensate private sector workers and businesses affected by the virus, which has sickened over 120,000 people in 100 countries worldwide.
He said the province isn’t excluding the possibility of taking more drastic measures, such as closing schools, if the situation escalates.
“We’re not there yet,” he said. “But at this moment we can’t rule anything out.”
Currently, there are 13 confirmed cases in the province, and two people are hospitalized. All of the cases are linked to international travel, the province’s director of public health said.
Horacio Arruda stressed that the measures being taken are preventive.
“We are not in crisis, because we have not lost control of the situation,” he said.
Danielle Mccann, the province’s health minister, said the health network is ready to handle an eventual rise in cases. She said the province is “actively working” to expand testing.
Legault’s announcement prompted a wave of event cancellations or postponements, including Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Place des Arts, home to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, announced it was suspending all shows until further notice, effective Thursday evening.