Quebec COVID-19 hospitalizations decrease, more than 7,500 absent health-care workers
Quebec COVID-19 hospitalizations decrease, more than 7,500 absent health-care workers
Quebec's COVID-19 hospitals saw a drop in overall occupancy in the 24 hours prior to Wednesday's update, which also revealed that 7,586 health-care workers were absent from work due to the virus.
As of Wednesday morning, there were 2,176 people hospitalized with the coronavirus, 19 fewer than the day before. That's after 164 people entered hospital and 183 were no longer in care.
Of those in hospital, 78 were in intensive care -- an increase of two since Tuesday's update.
Public health reported 30 more people with COVID-19 have died, bringing that total to 15,066.
The province recorded 1,630 positive PCR tests, which are reserved for certain at-risk populations.
The positivity rate was 11.6 per cent, suggesting the virus is still circulating widely. There were also 389 self-reported positive rapid tests.
There were 942 known active outbreaks as of Wednesday.
Most of Quebec's active cases, as determined by PCR test, are being reported in Montreal, where there are at least 4,243 active infections.
Most of those cases were found in the Rivière-des-Prairies - Anjou - Montréal-Est health region (518), followed by Côte-des-Neiges - Métro - Parc-Extension (454), and Pierrefonds - Lac Saint-Louis (440).
The most cases per capita was reported in Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James, where just over one in 191 people are dealing with active infections.
However, First Nations people are one of the few groups still eligible for PCR testing, meaning the heightened per-capita rate is explained, in part, by greater access to those sorts of tests.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.

In Canada Day message, Trudeau says Canadian flag represents promise of a better life
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canadians to recommit to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness, in his official Canada Day message.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.
What you need to know about Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa
A sea of red and white is expected to converge on downtown Ottawa and LeBreton Flats today to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday.
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.
Russian missiles kill at least 19 in Ukraine's Odesa region
Russian missile attacks on residential areas killed at least 19 people in a Ukrainian town near Odesa early Friday, authorities reported.
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.
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.
Same-sex couples in U.S. updating legal status after Roe v. Wade ruling
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, some LGBTQ2S+ couples are alarmed, worrying about a return to a time when they lacked equal rights to married heterosexual couples under the law. Many, fearful that their marital status is in danger, are moving now to square away potential medical, parental and estate issues.