Quebec is reporting 433 new cases and 11 additional deaths attributable to the COVID-19 health crisis as emergency measures were lifted in some regions Monday.
The latest daily tally of infections is the lowest number seen since last September in the province. It also marks the second consecutive day that the new case count is under the 500 mark.
Health Minister Christian Dubé lauded the improving situation on social media but urged Quebecers to keep abiding by restrictions.
“We are moving in the right direction, but we must continue to respect health measures,” he wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, the vaccination campaign saw another 68,180 doses administered. So far, more than 4.9 million shots have been given across the province.
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Dubé also encouraged young adults to book their first dose if they haven’t already done so, since appointments will open to teenagers across the province Tuesday.
The number of pandemic-related hospitalizations rose by three to 424. This includes 102 patients in intensive care units, a drop of one from the previous day.
When it comes to screening, the latest information shows 17,049 tests were conducted Saturday.
Over the course of the pandemic, Quebec has seen 367,809 cases. Although recoveries have topped 351,000.
The province’s death toll now stands at 11,095.
Emergency measures lifted
Quebec also eased emergency restrictions in some parts of the province Monday as reopening looms.
The Granit area in the Eastern Townships as well as the Etchemins, Beauce-Sartigan and Robert-Cliche areas in Chaudière-Appalaches all returning to the red zone designation.
In the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, emergency measures are also being lifted in the Kamouraska, Témiscouata, Rivière-du-Loup and Basques areas.
This means the curfew will be in effect from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. and non-essential businesses are able to reopen in those parts.
The move comes as Quebec is set to further ease rules this Friday across the province, with curfew being entirely lifted. Restaurant patios will also be allowed to operate and up to eight people will be able gather outside in backyards. Indoor venues will also be permitted to start welcoming up to 2,500 people at once.
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— With files from The Canadian Press
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