COVID-19 in Quebec: Hospitalizations drop to 2,051, more than 7,300 health workers absent
COVID-19 in Quebec: Hospitalizations drop to 2,051, more than 7,300 health workers absent
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 decreased again on Friday with 68 fewer people receiving care as the province reports 7,337 health-care workers are absent for reasons related to the virus.
The number of health-care worker absences, which can be for several reasons including isolating after testing positive or waiting for test results, dropped from 7,506 on Thursday.
The Ministry of Health reported the total number of hospitalizations fell to 2,051 after 127 people were admitted and 195 people were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours.
ICU cases also dropped to 60, a decrease of four from the day before.
Another 22 people are reported to have died due to COVID-19, the ministry said, which brings the total to 15,106.
The update from the province also said 1,243 people tested positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours through PCR testing, which is reserved for high-priority segments of the population. An additional 283 rapid antigen test results were logged with the health ministry, which reported 240 of those tests were positive.
Health-care workers analyzed 16,518 samples on May 14.
The positivity rate improved from Thursday, dropping to 9 per cent from 11.6 per cent on Wednesday. Meanwhile, active cases and active outbreaks both dropped across the province to 18,896 and 920, respectively.
VACCINATION UPDATE
Health-care workers administered 28,063 vaccine doses into people's arms Thursday, an increase of more than 6,000 shots from the day before. An additional 327,140 shots have been given to Quebecers outside of the province, for a cumulative total of 19,935,642 jabs.
To date, health-care workers have given out 7,432,543 first doses covering 91 per cent of the eligible population, 4,434,611 third doses covering 54 per cent of the population, and 876,437 fourth doses covering 11 per cent of the population.
The majority of Thursday's shots (23,681) were for fourth doses, also known as "second booster" shots, which are now available to all Quebec adults who want one.
Data for second doses is no longer published on the province's COVID-19 dashboard.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Four people arrested at National War Memorial in Ottawa as Canada Day celebrations begin
Police officers in cruisers, on foot patrol and on bicycles are patrolling the Parliamentary Precinct, the ByWard Market and the so-called 'motor vehicle control zone,' as the city prepares for Canada's 155th birthday celebrations and possible protests.

Mounties issue 80 tickets in B.C. national park after crashes kill 3 bears in 6 days
Multiple crashes involving bears in a B.C. national park earlier this month prompted a crackdown on drivers in the area, according to the B.C. Highway Patrol and Parks Canada.
Royal Canadian Navy relieves Pacific fleet ship commander for 'inappropriate conduct'
The Royal Canadian Navy says it has relieved the commanding officer of a warship in the Pacific Fleet.
'Extraordinarily rare' Princess Diana portrait goes on display in London
A rare portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales, will be on public display for the first time after it was recently sold for US$201,600 at auction.
At least 18 dead in Russian missile attack on residential buildings, officials say
Russian missile attacks on residential areas in a coastal town near the Ukrainian port city of Odesa early Friday killed at least 18 people, including two children, authorities reported, a day after Russian forces withdrew from a strategic Black Sea island.
2 slain gunmen still unidentified after Saanich shooting: BC RCMP
Saanich police will hold another update on a deadly shooting that took place on Tuesday afternoon, leaving two suspects dead and six officers with gunshot wounds.
Here's what Air Canada and WestJet have said about reducing flights
Two of Canada's largest airlines announced steps this week to cope with delays, cancellations and service issues. Head to CTVNews.ca to read about the changes announced by Air Canada and WestJet.
Poilievre marches with soldier protesting COVID-19 mandates ahead of Canada Day
Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre joined the final leg of a march led by a Canadian soldier charged for speaking out against COVID-19 vaccine requirements that has sparked promises -- and fears -- of a new wave of protests in the capital.
Trump's vulnerabilities for 2024 presidential run mount after latest testimony
Stunning new revelations about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s fight to overturn the 2020 election have exposed growing political vulnerabilities just as he eyes another presidential bid.