Quebec COVID-19 hospitalizations rise again as thousands of health-care workers remain absent
Quebec public health reports Thursday that 152 more people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 within the last 24 hours, rising the occupancy rate to 1,294.
During the same period, 118 people were discharged, for a net increase of 34.
Of those in hospital, 42 are in the intensive care unit, which is seven more than the day before.
Meanwhile, 6,644 health-care workers are off the job due to issues related to the virus; some are at home in isolation, while others are on leave as a preventative measure.
There were also 13 more reported deaths, bringing that total to 15,589.
The province recorded 1,568 new positive PCR tests, only available to priority groups.
There were also 705 positive self-reported rapid tests, available to everyone at pharmacies.
Health-care workers analyzed 11,757 PCR tests to determine a positivity rate of 15.8 per cent.
On Wednesday, Quebec health officials blamed the rise of COVID-19 infections on the arrival of several Omicron variants, namely BA. 2.12.1, BA. 4 and BA. 5.
Public Health Director Dr. Luc Boileau notes those variants account for three-quarters of new cases in Quebec.
He is encouraging people to take extra precautions as cases mount, adding that those with pre-existing conditions should consider wearing masks.
READ MORE: Ahead of summer festivals, Quebec health officials warn of rising COVID-19 numbers
VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
Health-care workers administered 6,750 more vaccine doses to Quebecers in the last 24 hours.
People seeking an additional booster shot can now book an appointment on Clic Santé.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who has tested positive, must isolate for a minimum of five days and follow all public health guidelines during the course of their illness.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.