Quebec COVID-19 cases rise again: 902 new infections
Coronavirus cases in Quebec are ramping up yet again with the province logging 902 new infections Thursday, the largest increase in months.
It's the second day in a row the province exceeded highs not seen since September.
The province also reported an increase in deaths due to the virus, which have increased by five, for a total of 11,571.
Quebec public health is monitoring 6,703 active cases and 633 active outbreaks.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 442,246 people have caught COVID-19, of which 423,075 have since recovered.
Hospitalizations decreased by one overall, with 20 people entering care, and 21 no longer receiving it since Wednesday's update.
Of those in hospital, 45 are in the ICU, a decrease of one since the day before.
Thursday's update was based on 29,708 tests, for a positivity rate of 2.6 per cent.
THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN RECEIVE FIRST DOSES
Public health workers administered 7,244 COVID-19 vaccine doses to children aged 5-11 after the government widened the eligible age-range to get the jab this week.
Of the overall eligible population (aged 5 and up), 81 per cent have been fully vaccinated, and 84 per cent have gotten at least one dose.
Those proportions are lower than what was reported on Wednesday, since the eligible population has been expanded.
Public health did not report how many of Thursday's positive cases were recorded among unvaccinated people due to "a technical problem."
It did say that group is 3.8 times more likely to catch COVID-19 than vaccinated people, and 15.5 times more likely to be hospitalized after getting sick.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Danielle Smith's UCP holds onto power in Alberta
Danielle Smith is still the premier of Alberta, surviving a vigorous campaign and a tight vote Monday against NDP challenger Rachel Notley.

Russia says drones damage Moscow buildings in pre-dawn attack, blames Ukraine
Russian air defences stopped eight drones converging on Moscow, officials said Tuesday, in an attack that authorities blamed on Ukraine, while Russia continued a a relentless wave of daylight and nighttime bombardment of Kyiv that began Monday.
Plan for fate of crumbling 24 Sussex expected by fall, minister tells MPs
Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek says the Liberal government expects to have a plan for the future of 24 Sussex Drive by the fall.
Singh calls for foreign interference rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.
Parliament votes down Conservative motion against safe supply of drugs
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has failed to persuade the House of Commons to condemn the Liberal government's approach to fighting drug addiction.
Canadian parliamentarians condemn Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality law
Canadian political leaders and parliamentarians are denouncing a new law passed in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for certain cases involving homosexuality.
Billie Eilish hits back at criticism over her more feminine fashion choices
Billie Eilish is taking on critics who apparently have an issue with how her style has evolved over the years.
5 things to know for Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Albertans went to the polls and the results are in, more calls for special rapporteur David Johnston to step aside, and tragedies serve as reminder of need to beware water safety as the weather warms up.
New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief she is being targeted by the Chinese government, as the prime minister granted the NDP's wish to allow more party members to review top-secret intelligence.