6 Quebecers have now died as a result of the coronavirus

Premier François Legault revealed that two more Quebecers infected with COVID-19 have died, increasing the province’s total number of coronavirus-related deaths to six.

As part of his daily update, Legault said, on Wednesday, Quebec now has 1,339 confirmed cases, 2,998 “under investigation,” and 26,634 negative cases.

Santé Quebec notes that “the significant increase in confirmed cases is explained by the fact that since March 22, 2020, cases tested positive by hospital laboratories are now considered confirmed. They no longer need validation by the Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec (LSPQ).”

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As of today, all non-essential stores and services in the province will be closed until at least April 13.

Legault said on Monday the new measures are being put in place throughout the province because public health officials determined the virus is spreading quicker than before.

He added that Quebec will be “on pause” for the next three weeks and said that although difficult, the stricter measures are necessary to combat the virus from spreading even further.

As per Santé Quebec, Montreal is the region in the province with the most confirmed cases at 603, followed by Estrie at 169, and Montérégie at 148.

quebec.ca

A new outdoor walk-in clinic opened to Montrealers earlier this week at Place des Festivals. Unlike other spots, this one allows people to show up without an appointment.

According to the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, the site will increase Montreal’s testing capability to up to 2,500 tests per day.