Canada reported 1,121 newly-confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 135 more deaths.
Wednesday’s numbers, which are tallied from announcements made by provincial and federal health authorities, brings Canada’s total COVID-19 cases and deaths to 72,266 and 5,304, respectively.
As provinces across the country begin putting reopening plans in motion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to remain careful by trying to stay home as much as possible and remembering social distancing.
“I know we’re all looking forward to it but we have to be vigilant,” said Trudeau in French.
Ontario and Alberta are set to announce their reopening plans on Thursday, whereas several provinces have already moved into their first phases.
Quebec — the province hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic — announced 706 more cases of the virus on Wednesday, along with 89 more deaths.
The province’s total cases, which now rest at 39,931 as of May 13, account for about 55 per cent of Canada’s total infections of the virus.
Several other provinces reported new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday as well.
Ontario’s case total increased to 21,236 after reporting 329 new infections, including 40 more deaths.
Alberta and British Columbia both reported 62 and 16 new cases respectively while Nova Scotia’s and Saskatchewan’s new cases numbered in the single digits.
The subject of Canada’s closed border agreement with the U.S. was also brought into the spotlight today.
The mutual deal — which was first made in March and extended again in April — is expected to be extended again before its expiry on May 21, a Canadian government official told The Canadian Press.
— With files from The Canadian Press