Quebec COVID-19 hospitalizations rise again, deaths jump by 45
Quebec's hospitals are treating 443 new patients with COVID-19 infections, bringing total occupancy to 2,994 -- just shy of stark predictions made last week by the province's public health institute (INESSS).
Intensive care cases also rose after 44 people were admitted, a total of 272 patients.
The province also recorded another rise in deaths: 45 people were reported dead due to the virus, bringing that total to 12,125.
Quebec logged 8,793 new cases among select high-risk groups -- the only people allowed to be PCR tested after new regulations rolled out earlier in the month.
That number does not reflect cases in the general population, who must rely on rapid tests or assume they are sick if they have COVID-19-like symptoms.
There are 1,443 known active outbreaks and 93,239 recorded active infections.
Thursday's update was based on 43,357 COVID-19 tests, resulting in a positivity rate of 15.9 per cent.
That's slightly down from Wednesday's rate of 16.6 per cent, but still higher than the five per cent threshold that health authorities considered alarming in previous waves.
THIRD DOSES SHY OF 30 PER CENT
Health care workers administered 111,395 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, 103,965 of which were booster shots.
Of the eligible population aged five and up, 90 per cent have gotten at least one dose, 82 per cent have gotten two and 28 per cent have gotten three.
People who get infected with COVID-19 are 6.9 times more likely to end up in hospital if they aren't vaccinated.
While unvaccinated people make up about 13 per cent of the population, they account for 28 per cent of those in hospital and 45 per cent of those in the ICU.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.