Quebec confirms 71 more coronavirus deaths as cases eclipse 44,700

The Quebec government revealed that the province’s COVID-19-related death toll has reached 3,718, after announcing 71 more deaths since Tuesday afternoon.

As part of the province’s daily briefings, Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault updated the provincial numbers, confirming 44,775 known cases and 1,516 hospitalizations, 108 of whom are in the ICU.

Currently, a reported 307,437 tests have turned up negative throughout Quebec and 12,822 cases have been cured.

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Guilbault stressed the importance of Quebecers developing a “new reflex” of wearing face coverings when leaving the home. Especially, she says, in instances where physical distancing is more difficult, citing public transit as an example.

“It’s not instinctive to us, but it’s a habit that we must have to develop,” Guilbault said. “It’s a habit that will be with us at least over the next few weeks.”

As part of her briefing, the deputy premier also announced that public health has given Quebec the green light to ease outdoor gathering restrictions throughout Quebec.

As of Friday, May 22, the Province will ease restrictions of outdoor gatherings and will allow a maximum of ten people to gather.

Of the 10 person maximum, groups will only be allowed to convene from a maximum of three different households or addresses.

#COVID19 – Au Québec, en date du 20 mai 2020 à 13h15, la situation est la suivante:
9 546 prélèvements effectués le 18 mai
9 582 analyses réalisées le 18 mai
307 437 cas négatifs
44 775 cas confirmés

Pour en savoir plus sur la situation au Québec: https://t.co/fiqW5E4y8R

— Santé Québec (@sante_qc) May 20, 2020

On Wednesday afternoon, Guilbault said the government will also announce when beauty care practices throughout the province will reopen.

Canada’s coronavirus death toll now totals 5,956.