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 25, as of 5 pm ET:

Quebec confirms 85 more coronavirus deaths as cases near 48,000

The Quebec government revealed that the province’s COVID-19-related death toll has reached 4,069, after announcing 85 more deaths since Sunday afternoon.

As part of the province’s daily briefings, Quebec Premier François Legault updated the numbers, confirming 47,984 known cases and 1,525 hospitalizations, 169 of whom are in the ICU.

Currently, a reported 347,398 tests have turned up negative throughout Quebec and over 14,600 cases have been “cured.”

Trudeau in discussion with provinces to implement 10 days of paid sick leave

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that that the federal government remains in discussion with provinces regarding 10 paid sick leave days.

“Our country needs workers to get our country back on track,” said the prime minister. “No one should have to choose between taking a day off work if they’re sick or being able to afford their rent.”

He said that he has spoken with NDP’s Jagmeet Singh about sick leave, and continues discussions with the provinces to ensure anyone who needs it can receive 10 days of paid sick leave.

Select retail stores throughout Montreal reopening today

Retail businesses in Montreal can open as planned today, stemming from  François Legault’s announcement last Monday.

Public health authorities have given Montreal retail shops the green light to reopen as of today, the area of the province which has been hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak.

All retail businesses with direct exterior access throughout the Montreal metropolitan area are permitted to open, meaning shops inside malls that aren’t accessible to outdoor foot traffic must remain closed.

NHL players agree to 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs format

The association representing hockey players in the NHL has authorized further negotiations on a version of the playoffs adapted for the pandemic with 24 teams.

On Friday night, the NHL Players’ Association issued a statement saying it’s interested in pursuing further talks on the format that could see a 2020 Stanley Cup winner selected amid COVID-19 mass gathering cancellations.

“Several details remain to be negotiated and an agreement on the format would still be subject to the parties reaching agreement on all issues relevant to resuming play,” the NHLPA said.