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.

translated by Alec Brideau

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

The 700th was built in front of the La Source school and the l’Étincelle building, on the 15th Avenue, in Fabreville, on Nov. 24.

It was one of the last speed bumps of a first phase of implementation, around 67 schools and 139 parks in the territory, launched in the fall of 2020.

“Laval wants to encourage drivers to adopt safer behaviour, reduce their speed and be more attentive to their environment,” said Ray Khalil, municipal councillor of Sainte-Dorothée, vice-president of the executive committee, and responsible for the files of public works.

Second Phase

A second implementation phase of speed bumps in residential streets is being developed, reports the Municipality.

Those actions are part of a series of “traffic calming measures” that have been deployed since 2017, to which are added, for example, road markings, pedestrian crossings, sidewalk overhangs, raised intersections, one-ways, as well as the installation of speed displays and fixed photo radars at some red lights.

As for speed bumps, they’re preferred when “the speed practiced at the 85th percentile exceeds by at least 10 km/h” the speed limit on a local residential collector street.

In addition to forcing drivers to slow down, those speed bumps have the advantage of reducing through traffic, i.e. the traffic created by drivers not living in the neighbourhood.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article 700 Speed Bumps Installed in Two Years est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.