Quebec reports lowest COVID-19 increase in over 140 days

Quebec health officials are reporting the province’s lowest daily COVID-19 increase in 140 days.

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux is reporting 728 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in Quebec since September 25, when 698 new cases were announced.

Public health has also added 16 new virus-related deaths. Of the newly-added deaths, five have occurred in the past day, eight between February 8 and February 13, and three from earlier in February.

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The number of hospitalizations decreased by one compared to Sunday, for a cumulative total of 804 across Quebec. Among these, the number of people in intensive care increased by four for a total of 136.

Since Sunday, a total of 912 doses of vaccine were administered for a total of 294,886 across the province.

There are now 277,518 COVID-19 cases across the province, 257,434 recoveries, 10,229 deaths, and 2,655,191 negative tests.

As of last week, businesses, salons, libraries, and museums were permitted to reopen everywhere across Quebec. University and CEGEP students are also allowed to begin a “gradual” return to physical classes.

Legault said the COVID-19 situation has been “improving” over the past few weeks, which he said is “very encouraging.”

The premier says public health sees a decrease in cases and hospitalizations “almost on a daily basis” and thanked Quebecers for their efforts.

Santé Quebec advises residents to “frequently wash” their hands (for 20 seconds with soap and water), use alcohol-based disinfectant, respect the measures regarding private gatherings, and limit travel as much as possible.

The distribution of deaths in Quebec by age group is as follows:

The distribution of provincial cases per age group is as follows:

Canada’s COVID-19 death toll is now 21,293 along with 825,785 total cases.