He mentioned that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which mainly affects young children, had already peaked a few days ago, and that its circulation is decreasing. The effect of that slowdown should be reflected in pediatric care units in the coming weeks. On the other side, the influenza’s peak has still not arrived.

“It’s a virus in strong progression,” Boileau said. “All indicators of the flu season started much faster than usual. There’s high activity, and it’s on its way to even higher.”

He added that December is likely to be tough on that side, and he expects a peak by the end of 2022.

It’s a similar case for the COVID-19 situation, which is gaining momentum again in Quebec. That is largely due to the increased presence of the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants, which have become the dominant strains in the province.

No Measure for Now

Despite the difficult month that awaits Quebecers, Boileau confirmed he will not issue new recommendations for health measures.

He still invites all citizens to get a dose of vaccine against the various viruses, including the influenza, which was made available free of charge to the entire population a little over a week ago.

That’s particularly recommended for people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and parents of children under six months.

Among the other possible actions, Boileau noted the fact of staying at home when flu symptoms are appearing, wearing a mask in busy environments, and limiting the exposure of young children by reducing outings and visits.

As for the mask in schools, he doesn’t believe it’s necessary to force everyone to wear it. However, he recommends it for all those wishing to do so, as well as students and staff members with symptoms, such as a sore throat or cough.

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L’article Influenza and COVID-19: Possible Peak in December est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

In particular, it invites the public to wear a mask in all busy places, except for schools.

She also reiterates the importance of handwashing, which “will protect against viruses such as influenza”, we can read in a press release.

Public Health completes its recommendations by asking that anyone who shows symptoms of respiratory infection stay home until the fever stops, and wear a mask in the presence of symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

“Many efforts are being made to reduce the current pressure in emergencies, but the increased transmission of many viruses is complicating the situation,” said Minister of Health Christian Dubé. “We need everyone’s collaboration to limit the risk of spread, and it begins with monitoring its symptoms, and showing solidarity with people most vulnerable to various respiratory diseases, as well as with our health care workers.”

It’s also recommended to better protect children under three months of age, by avoiding bringing together too many people at the same time in hospital rooms, or in homes where they are, so they’re not exposed to the circulating viruses. (N.P.)

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L’article Public Health Recommends Wearing a Mask est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

The Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, presented Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2023–2025, which outlines immigration as a strategy aimed at helping companies find workers, and to attract qualified people in key sectors.

Last year, Canada welcomed more than 405,000 newcomers – the most ever in a single year. The Government continues that ambition, by setting itself 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025. The plan places greater emphasis on the settlement of newcomers in different regions of the country, including small towns and rural communities.

“Last year, we welcomed the largest number of newcomers in a single year in our history,” said Fraser. “This year’s plan will help businesses find the workers they need, set Canada on a path that supports our long-term success, and enable us to deliver on our key commitments to vulnerable people fleeing violence, war and persecution.”

That plan builds on ongoing work to strengthen the immigration system, and bring the benefits of immigration to communities across the country. That includes supporting the vitality of Francophone communities outside of Quebec. (J.L-B\IJL)

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L’article An Immigration Plan to Help Grow the Economy est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

That brings Laval’s total to 76,793 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, 1,160 Laval citizens died from it, which represents an increase of one compared to the previous seven days.

As for vaccination, 89.7 per cent of Laval’s population received at least one dose of vaccine. Of them, 87 per cent have received their second dose, and 50.4 per cent got a first booster dose. That data is at 18.4 per cent when it comes to the second booster dose. In total, it represents 1,038,063 doses given in the region since the start of vaccinations.

It’s the ninth highest provincial total behind Montreal (5,119,473), the Montérégie (3,427,706), the Capitale-Nationale (1,932,228), the Laurentides (1,495,000), the Mauricie and the Centre-du -Quebec (1,280,624), Lanaudière (1,244,439), the Estrie (1,225,289) and Chaudière-Appalaches (1,072,002).

The CISSS also specified that 60 employees of its network (increase of 11) were absent from work due to the virus.

To clarify, the data used for confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now coming from the laboratory database, rather than from the Public Health Trajectories (TSP) information system as before.

This new method no longer makes it possible to present data from Laval’s sectors, since the information on the place of residence is often incorrectly entered, or missing. (N.P.)

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L’article 209 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

That brings Laval’s total to 76,570 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, 1,160 Laval citizens died from it, a number that hasn’t changed over the past week.

As for vaccination, 89.7 per cent of Laval’s population received at least one dose of vaccine. Of them, 87 per cent have received their second dose, and 50.4 per cent got a first booster dose. That data is up to 18 per cent when it comes to the second booster dose. In total, it represents 1,028,476 doses given in the region since the start of vaccinations.

It’s the ninth highest provincial total behind Montreal (5,091,688), the Montérégie (3,402,990), the Capitale-Nationale (1,919,725), the Laurentides (1,485,640), the Mauricie and the Centre-du-Québec (1,271,418), Lanaudière (1,234,001), the Estrie (1,217,285) and Chaudière-Appalaches (1,066,413).

The CISSS also specified that 79 employees of its network (increase of 17) were absent from work due to the virus.

To clarify, the data used for confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now coming from the laboratory database, rather than from the Public Health Trajectories (TSP) information system as before.

This new method no longer makes it possible to present data from Laval’s sectors, since the information on the place of residence is often incorrectly entered, or missing.

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L’article COVID-19: Slowdown in New Confirmed Cases in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

That brings Laval’s total to 76,402 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, 1,160 Laval citizens died from it, which represents an increase of four compared to the previous seven days.

As for vaccination, 89.7 per cent of Laval’s population received at least one dose of vaccine. Of them, 87 per cent have received their second dose, and 50.4 per cent got a first booster dose. That data increases to 17.5 per cent when it comes to the second booster dose. In total, it represents 1,028,476 doses given in the region since the start of vaccinations.

It’s the ninth highest provincial total behind Montreal (5,072,761), the Montérégie (3,384,175), the Capitale-Nationale (1,911,482), the Laurentides (1,478,368), the Mauricie and the Centre-du -Quebec (1,264,728), Lanaudière (1,227,346), the Estrie (1,210,102) and Chaudière-Appalaches (1,061,190).

The CISSS also specified that 79 employees of its network (increase of 17) were absent from work due to the virus.

To clarify, the data used for confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now coming from the laboratory database, rather than from the Public Health Trajectories (TSP) information system as before.

This new method no longer makes it possible to present data from Laval’s sectors, since the information on the place of residence is often incorrectly entered, or missing.

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L’article 9 New Deaths Linked to COVID-19 in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

This brings Laval’s total to 75,522 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

However, let’s recall that the general population can now obtain rapid screening tests, and that screening centres offer PCR tests to only specific groups of the population, which could explain such a variation in the data from the last 29 reports.

Unfortunately, 1,145 Laval citizens died from it, which represents an increase of one compared to the previous seven days.

As for vaccination, 90 per cent of Laval’s population received at least one dose of vaccine. Of them, 87.3 per cent have received their second dose, and 50.3 per cent got a first booster dose. That data drops to 15.6 per cent when it comes to the second booster dose. In total, it represents 1,008,293 doses given in the region since the start of vaccinations.

It’s the ninth highest provincial total behind Montreal (5,005,293), the Montérégie (3,320,028), the Capitale-Nationale (1,875,813), the Laurentides (1,451,197), the Mauricie and the Centre-du -Quebec (1,242,596), Lanaudière (1,205,675), the Estrie (1,185,205) and Chaudière-Appalaches (1,046,166).

The CISSS also specified that 79 employees of its network (increase of three) were absent from work due to the virus.

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L’article 354 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

It took place at the Horizon Jeunesse high school, in Auteuil.

For the occasion, the 161 athletes, 41 coaches and companions, as well as the seven missionaries of Laval’s region met with Mayor of Laval Stéphane Boyer, and President of Sports Laval Geneviève Cossette.

“I just want to congratulate you on getting to where you are today,” Boyer said during the region’s meeting. I’m sure you are as excited as we are to be at the Jeux du Québec. […] We’re counting on you to make us shine. We want to show the other regions that we’re the best.”

“You can really be proud of that journey you’ve accomplished,” Cossette added. “As a mother of two girls practicing sports at the pre-national level, I know how much time you’re putting into training. […] For some athletes, it’s just the start of an amazing career. For others, it’s an unforgettable experience during which you’ll meet new people, create new links. Live it to the fullest.”

Cossette also took a moment to recognize the work of the parents, who get involved in helping their children participate in various sports competitions.

Ambassador

Gymnast Félix Dolci could not be at the region’s meeting. However, he still shared a message to the young athletes in a pre-recorded video.

“I’d like to congratulate you all for having surpassed yourselves throughout the year in order to be here today, and play the Jeux du Québec,” Dolci said.

Let’s remember that Dolci is the most decorated athlete in the history of the Jeux du Québec, but also Canada Winter Games. He participated twice in each of these competitions, winning a total of 18 medals.

Preparation and COVID-19

The rest of the evening was to prepare Laval’s athletes for the provincial competition, which will begin on Friday, July 22.

They’ve been informed on how to proceed when arriving on the site, and how their schedule works when it comes to mealtimes and bedtime.

Athletes will have to be tested five days before the start of their competition block, as well as the day before the competition.

They’ll also have to do a daily rapid test. If an athlete eventually tests positive for COVID-19, he will then be placed in isolation, before leaving the site facilities with a family member.

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L’article Laval’s Region Meets One Last Time Before the Jeux du Québec est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.