Quebec has the highest covid-related death rate in Canada
The city of Quebec is set to impose a health tax on unvaccinated Canadians as the country looks to battle an ongoing surge of Omicron coronavirus cases.
The predominantly French-speaking province recorded 12,028 deaths on Tuesday and although only around 12.8 per cent of its population are still unvaccinated, this demographic makes up nearly half of all hospital cases.
As such, Premier François Legault told a news conference that a “significant” financial penalty would be dished out to those who refuse to get a covid-19 vaccine unless for a legitimate medical reason. He went on to inform the public as much on social media.
2/2 C’est pour ça qu’on examine la mise en place d’une contribution santé payable par tous les adultes qui refusent, pour des raisons non médicales, de se faire vacciner.
Pour me lire 👉https://t.co/DjuwDPjgih
— François Legault (@francoislegault) January 11, 2022
Speaking on Tuesday, Legault said that this “healthcare contribution” will come into effect over the next few weeks, insisting that he believes a simple charge of $50-100 is not enough.
Legault remarked that “It’s a question of equity because right now: these people, they put a very important burden on our healthcare network, and I think it’s normal that the majority of the population is asking that there be a consequence,” adding that “90% of the population [have] made some sacrifices. I think we owe them this kind of measure.”
He also went on to inform that the government will be looking at extending the reach of vaccine passports, with the region having recently made it mandatory to enter SAQ and SQDC locations as well: essentially, state-run shops that sell booze and cannabis.
Talk of a third dose or booster is also the subject of debate in the nation right now – both of which have led to public outcry and protests on the streets of Montreal and the like.
BREAKING: Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé is warning Quebecers that a third dose will be required in order to have a valid vaccine passport. pic.twitter.com/BDO6bzme4X
— True North (@TrueNorthCentre) January 6, 2022
Elsewhere in the world, unvaccinated Italians are currently banned from coffee shops, gyms and public transport, with the government now issuing fines to those who breach these restrictions.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, despite full capacity crowds returning to the likes of Scottish sport, the English top-flight could face further disruption as unvaccinated players may no longer receive quarantine exemption.
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