Quebec reported 369 new cases but no additional deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday amid an uptick in infections.
Health Minister Christian Dubé took to social media on the second day in a row that the province’s daily tally of cases topped 300.
“The fourth wave is clearly present in Quebec,” he wrote. “Let’s not forget that the virus is still circulating and that vaccination is our best weapon in the fight against the virus.”
For the third consecutive day, the number of hospitalizations linked to the novel coronavirus also rose. There are 14 more patients for a total of 81.
This includes 28 people in intensive care units, an increase of six in the past 24 hours.
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Since the last report, the immunization rollout saw another 44,137 doses of the vaccine administered in the province. More than 11.6 million shots have been doled in Quebec to date.
Dubé said he was “very happy” to see more people registering for their first dose of the vaccine. About 9,000 Quebecers rolled up their sleeves for their first shot on Wednesday.
“Everyone’s contribution makes a real difference,” he said.
When it comes to screening, the most recent information shows 17,494 tests were given Tuesday.
Quebec’s caseload has reached 380,407 while the health crisis has killed 11,242 people in the province. The number of recoveries from the virus has topped 366,000.