With another COVID climb, Quebec health minister calls news conference for Thursday morning
UPDATE: Get the latest update on this story here.
With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise in Quebec, public health officials have called a news conference for Thursday morning.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé and public health director Dr. Luc Boileau are holding a news conference Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
A spokesperson for the health minister confirmed Dubé won’t be announcing any new health measures or new mask mandates.
He will, though, tell Quebecers to be careful, especially if they’re attending gatherings, and in particular for people over 60 years old or who are immunocompromised.
Dubé will also address the question of the fourth dose of vaccine, reiterating public health’s message last week that all adults can get a COVID-19 booster if their last vaccine was more than three months ago, or they had COVID-19 more than three months ago.
Public health is advising those in an at-risk group to get the fourth dose.
HOSPITALIZATIONS CLIMBING
COVID-19 hospitalizations are continuing their upward trajectory in Quebec, with the health ministry reporting an increase of 56 -- that's 183 entries and 127 discharges -- in 24 hours.
The province also reported 13 new COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, bringing the total in Quebec to 15,630 since the pandemic began.
There are currently 40 people in intensive care, an increase of one from the previous day. Due to a "compilation problem," data on ICU admissions and discharges was not available Wednesday, according to the Quebec government website.
NEW CASES
The province also logged 1,839 new cases of the virus, but this number is not reflective of the actual situation as PCR testing is not available to the general public.
In addition, 642 more positive rapid tests were self-declared. A total of 240,214 rapid tests have been recorded since Quebec opened its online portal.
Quebec health-care workers administered an additional 7,130 doses of the vaccine. So far, Quebecers have received 20,078,507 shots.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.

Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
Ontario ICU closed for a month has no date set to reopen
A month after an Ontario intensive care unit temporarily closed due to a “significant staff shortage,” the hospital has no timeline for when the ICU will re-open its doors.
Study finds 3 drugs, including ivermectin, did not prevent COVID hospitalization, death
A new study has found that three drugs, including the antiparasitic ivermectin, had no significant effects in treating low oxygen levels or preventing ER visits, hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.
What you can do to help mitigate shortages of fever and pain relievers
Pharmacists and health care professionals are asking the public to only buy what they need and to be up to date on all their essential immunization shots to help with Tylenol, Advil shortages.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.