Dubé Explained Key Differences Between Quebec's First & Second Wave Of COVID-19

In a press conference on October 6, provincial health minister Christian Dubé said that Quebec's second wave of COVID-19 differs greatly from the first wave in March.

Among the key differences, Dubé said, were the presence of tourists in the province during spring break and long-term care facilities that were unprepared for the effects a pandemic would have on Quebec's elderly population.

"This time, [it's] totally different," he said.

According to Dubé, during the first wave, the city of Montreal explained "about 90 percent of what we saw" in terms of the province's cases. Now, he says, the entire province is affected by the virus.

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We cannot control the way people react to the measures. You can make a difference today. 

Minister Christian Dubé, in a press conference on October 6

This time, he said, it's impossible to know where exactly the rise in cases is coming from.

"It's difficult when we say, are they getting it at work, are they getting it in the hospitals or are they getting it at school," he said. 

"There was very little community contagion [the first time] . . . This time, we know it's a community contagion and we need to make sure that we cut off all those reasons to get together."

Dubé also urged Quebecers not to make use of the public health system unless it's absolutely necessary. 

"The hospitals are ready right now with the forecast that we see for the next month. Please, don't test the hospital system," he said.

"The nurses, the doctors, what they are asking the Quebecers [is] 'Please, stay home.'"