During the Government of Quebec's public briefing about the novel coronavirus situation in the province on March 31, Premier François Legault focused much of his speech on the need for medical supplies during this pandemic. He thanked the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, who agreed to send over some of his province's medical equipment to Quebec. As of March 31, the confirmed number of cases of COVID-19 in Quebec has officially reached 4,162.

This is a rise of 732 cases since the previous day. And, of the 4,162 cases of COVID-19 in Quebec, 1,991 are in the region of Montreal.

Legault reminded all Quebecers that we will need to have masks available during the entire duration of this pandemic. So we must only use masks when it is absolutely essential. They will be crucial for the well-being of medical workers.

Legault also made a point to try to comfort anyone who is currently in self-isolation. He said that he understands how difficult this time is for them.

So, Legault asked that anyone who is not currently alone, who is lucky enough to have someone living with them right now, to call someone who they know is alone. It will make their day and help spread positivity throughout the province.

For his daily "thank you" of the press conference, Legault thanked all Quebec researchers who are actively working to develop a vaccine to help protect people against the virus.

If you missed Premier Legault's public briefing at the press conference of March 31, you can watch a live video of it below.

A transcript of the press conference is also available on the Government of Quebec's website.

In Legault's Facebook post where he shared the live video of the press conference, he added that "if everyone respects our plan, we will save the lives of hundreds of Quebecers. We are counting on you."

The "plan" he speaks of involves: only going on walks when it's essential, keeping two metres away from anyone you walk near, and whenever you come back inside from your walks, making sure to wash your hands with soap for an entire 20 seconds.

Below is Santé Québec's official update on the situation in the province on March 31.

There have been six new deaths since the previous day — making it a total of 31 deaths in the province caused by COVID-19.

[rebelmouse-image 26885930 photo_credit="Government of Quebec" expand=1 original_size="532x423"] Government of Quebec

As Mayor Valérie Plante had warned us of on March 27, when the city declared a state of emergency, Montreal remains a "hotspot" for the virus. As of now, there are a total of 1,991 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region. 

Stay tuned for more updates about the situation in Quebec right here on MTL Blog.