The return to an almost normal life is coming at the “right time” in Quebec, according to several health experts.
“We were told a clear and neat plan. It is a breath of fresh air and optimism that the population needs. Our system is still in a fragile situation, but much better, so it was the right time to announce these directives, ”said Benoit Barbeau, expert in virology and professor of biological sciences at UQAM.
The new reductions announced by the government, in particular those on private gatherings, are viewed favorably by Dr. Karl Weiss, microbiologist and specialist in infectious diseases at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
“I think we have to trust the people of Quebec, the vast majority of whom have behaved very well to date, followed the recommendations very well, got their vaccinations, were disciplined. Me, I have a lot of confidence and I think it’s a very good strategy,” explained the doctor in an interview with LCN.
common sense
He considers people capable of using common sense and good judgment.
“For sure if your grandma has a big heart problem and she’s on an oxygen ventilator at home, maybe it’s not the right time to bring 40 people around. ‘she ! he gave as an example.
Although private gatherings are authorized, Karl Weiss warns that certain sanitary measures would benefit from remaining in place. Wearing a mask indoors, in shops and public places would be a good thing to keep, he believes.
Dr. François Marquis, head of intensive care at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, makes a similar observation.
“People have learned in two years and the vulnerable population knows each other well. The vast majority of people are vaccinated. We are in a good place at the moment for the reopenings announced, ”he believes.
not too worried
François Marquis also argues that the data is encouraging internationally in countries that have been hit by variants before us.
But is it therefore soon the end of the health passport in the province?
“I think that in mid-March, the famous vaccine passport will probably disappear. It is a tool proposed when the epidemiological data were not favorable, ”concludes virologist Benoit Barbeau.
– With QMI Agency