6 Quebec Regions Are Struggling To Break The Second Wave Of COVID-19, Says Legault

In a press conference on November 24, Premier François Legault outlined regions of Quebec where COVID-19 cases are especially high — and according to him, they are not urban centres. 

Legault said the six regions that are having trouble bringing down the curve of the second wave are: Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Estrie, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Lanaudière, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and Sorel-Tracy in Montérégie. 

Legault noted that Montreal and Quebec City, Quebec's largest cities, are not currently being hit hardest by the pandemic. 

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Unlike the first wave, the places where there are the most viruses are not the major centres. [...] In fact, there are six regions or sub-regions where there are difficulties.

Premier François Legault

In particular, Legault said the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region is struggling to control the spread of the virus. The region saw 1,190 new cases of COVID-19 between November 15 and 21.

The week prior, it went over the 4,100 new cases mark.*

"It's the region where it's the most difficult," said Legault.

"I am asking all the people of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, if you are able, in the coming days and weeks, to stay at home [to reduce the pressure]."

The premier called out Côte-de-Gaspé, Joliette, Matane and Lanaudière-Nord as particular cities and municipalities facing "problems" related to the second wave of COVID-19. 

Lanaudière, where Joliette is located, saw 836 new cases of COVID-19 between November 15 and 21.   

*This article has been updated.