Article content

With by far the largest upswing in the number of COVID-19 cases reported on Thursday, Montreal’s public health director issued a stark warning that the actions of its populace in the coming days will determine how hard the global epidemic will hit the city and for how long.

“Montreal is the epicentre of the pandemic,” Dr. Mylène Drouin said at a press briefing alongside Mayor Valérie Plante. “The number of cases has increased significantly in the last 24 hours. You understand that we are moving into the upward slope of the pandemic. …

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'Montreal is the epicentre of the pandemic,' public health director says Back to video

“It’s really today that the virus is at its height in terms of circulating in society, and at its strongest intensity. And if we don’t follow the measures correctly now, the pandemic will grow stronger, and stay for a longer period over the whole island of Montreal.”

Citizens need to stay only with members of their households and confine outings to essentials like going for groceries or to pick up prescriptions or attend medical appointments. Residents should stay in their own neighbourhoods as much as possible, shopping at local stores and pharmacies.