Coronavirus: Everything you need to know in Montreal today

Every day in Canada, a lot of news regarding COVID-19 comes out nationally and locally.

And for now, we will be putting together Montreal and Canada’s top headlines daily to help digest the news in one place.

Throughout the day, you can see all the headlines in real-time here.

Top coronavirus stories for May 7, as of 5 pm ET:

Quebec confirms 121 more coronavirus deaths as cases eclipse 35,000

The Quebec government revealed that the province’s COVID-19-related death toll has reached 2,631 after announcing 121 more deaths since Wednesday afternoon.

As part of provincial daily briefings, Quebec Premier François Legault updated the province’s numbers. Quebec now has 35,238 known cases and 1,836 hospitalizations, 224 of whom are in an ICU.

Currently, a reported 228,905 cases have turned up negative throughout the province.

Quebec government delays Montreal reopening by another week

As part of provincial daily briefings, François Legault, the Director of Public Health, Horacio Arruda, and the President of Treasury Board, Christian Dubé, announced that the reopening of Montreal will be delayed by another week.

During an April 28 meeting, Legault announced that Montreal will be reopening businesses as of May 11. On May 4, the premier announced the date has been pushed back to May 19 and on Thursday, he delayed the reopening again to May 25.

The reopening of businesses, daycares, and schools are pushed back to Monday, May 25. “As I said in the past days and weeks, it will only happen if the conditions are meant before then,” said Legault.

He cites the lack of staff in the health system as “our biggest challenge.”

Quebec announces new incentives to reestablish the presence of medical staff

After updating the province’s COVID-19-related numbers and the delaying of Montreal’s reopening, François Legault and Christian Dubé, president of the Treasury Board, announced premium incentives to help reinforce Quebec’s medical network staff.

According to Legault, Quebec is short 11,600 employees. Of the ones that are presently working, 50% are only doing so part-time.

A new incentive has been drafted, hoping to lure medical staff members who work in long-term care homes, private residents, and hospitals to come back and to do so full-time.

Canada reaches $4B deal on wage top up for essential workers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government reached an agreement with all provinces and territories regarding wage top ups for essential workers.

“You are fighting the good fighting since the start of this crisis,” said Trudeau during his press conference on Thursday.

“You deserve to be properly paid for the essential work you are doing.”

Quebec IGA and Metros provide list of stores with known coronavirus cases

Quebec’s leading grocery store retailers are choosing to be transparent with its customers and both IGA and Metro have released lists detailing when and where employees and customers have tested positive for COVID-19.

Both store chains said that out of respect and for confidentiality reasons, it will never release any personal information about infected employees or clients.

Police arrest two suspects following seventh cell phone tower fire in one week (VIDEO)

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) have arrested a man and a woman in their 20s who they say are suspects in a string of cell phone tower fires throughout the Montreal area.

According to the SQ, the arrest comes after a week’s worth of cell phone towers that were set on fire in areas north of Montreal, including four since this past Monday.

Two towers were set aflame on Tuesday and Wednesday in Laval, causing an estimated $200,000 in damage, according to provincial police.

Canadian restaurants need more financial support to reopen: survey

Survey results from Restaurants Canada have revealed that a majority of the country’s food service businesses aren’t confident they will have the funds to successfully reopen.

Shifts towards lifting emergency measures are taking place across the nation, and during this time, Restaurants Canada says it’s crucial that eateries receive more support, until they are on a sure path to full recovery.

Aldo files for creditor protection with plans to restructure

Aldo has filed for creditor protection in Canada, with intentions to do the same in the United States and Switzerland.

The Montreal-based retailer, which owns almost 3,000 stores across 100 countries, made the announcement on Thursday, saying, “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put too much pressure on our business and our cash flows.”

Lyft riders now required to wear face masks

On Thursday, Lyft announced its new Health Safety Program, a series of policies, commitments, and products designed to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As local governments begin to ease stay-at-home advisories, Lyft is ramping up its efforts to protect riders and drivers,” said the company in an emailed statement. “This includes leading in the establishment of new health and safety standards for ridesharing.”

IKEA Canada now offering contactless curbside pick-up

IKEA Canada is now offering a “Curbside Click and Collect” service at locations across the country, meaning contactless curbside pick-up for customers.

The new service excludes store locations in Quebec. There, the offering will launch on May 11, with no service available on Sundays, to reflect local regulations.

For a flat rate of $5, the service allows customers to order items online and pick them up at the store location of their choice, in a safe, contact-free way.

Blue Jays may need to relocate to the United States for one season

Canada’s team may have to call America home this summer.

Just how Major League Baseball will look and operate this season is still unclear, but connecting the dots, it may mean a new temporary home for the Toronto Blue Jays.