The COVID-19 winter surge is hitting Montreal hard. On Wednesday, Montreal recorded 626 news cases and more than 4,000 cases during the week. This was more than the recorded level at the peak of the first wave in the spring. From what it appears, the spread in Montreal is outpacing what the city experienced earlier this year.
The new wave puts a lot of pressure on the city’s public health officials. With limited hospital rooms and rising levels, it could force the city of Montreal to go on another lockdown. This wouldn’t be the first country we have seen move levels. Earlier this week, London moved back to the highest tier, shutting down all sporting events to fans, as well as restaurants. Montreal could fall in line if something doesn’t change soon.
The Numbers
If something doesn’t change soon, sports fans will be turning their heads to the best esports betting sites available. There will be nothing going on if this doesn’t get under control. According to the report, there were 384 people, which is 100 more people than last week’s total. The city’s hospital network has a capacity of 1,000 beds for COVID-19 patients hospitalized. It could be pushing towards an overflow if the numbers do not go down.
On top of that, there are 429 health-care workers off work because they either tested positive or are awaiting their test results. The hardest-hit neighbourhoods in the city include Parc-Extension, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Cote-des-Neiges, Montreal North, St-Leonard, and Riviere-des-Prairies. The report states that over 40% of newly infected people have caught the virus at home. Given the high positive rate, those that come back with positive tests that are living with someone who is awaiting their test results should isolate at home until they know what their test says.
The Outlook
Schools are entering their final week of the semester, so luckily that will help narrow the curve for now. However, what will happen when we go back? City officials are hopeful that people will not travel during the holidays to limit the possibility of spreading the infection. There is a growing concern that with Christmas right around the corner, this second wave could be far from over.
On Tuesday, the government approved new restrictions to be in place for the holiday season. Non-essential businesses will close as of December 25th, while elementary schools will remain closed an extra week. Distanced learning will resume on January 11th. Outdoor gatherings of up to eight people in public spaces will be allowed, but only for activities that require people to move.
There was a concern that people will flock to the parks in Montreal in large numbers, but police forces in large parks are stationed. Luckily, there is a vaccine that has been rolled out by two major drug companies. These vaccines have been administered to health-care workers and long-care facility workers. If these provide positive results, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.
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