The rapid increase in COVID-related hospitalizations continues in Quebec as the province deplores two new deaths. Meanwhile, vaccination continues to stagnate.
Posted at 1:25 p.m.
Quebec reports Thursday an increase of 52 hospitalizations. The 2,082 people currently hospitalized represent an increase of 15% over one week. In intensive care, the 55 patients represent a 57% increase over one week.
The number of people in hospital is expected to continue to rise over the next few days, with the number of admissions outpacing discharges. On average, there are 39 more patients every day.
The number of workers absent due to the pandemic is stable. They were 3939 Thursday to have to isolate themselves.
The spread also appears to be accelerating. The 1,236 new cases reported on Thursday bring the daily average to 917. The trend is thus up 5% over one week. These numbers likely reflect only a portion of total infections, due to limited access to PCR testing.
In addition to the cases detected by PCR tests, 678 people have also reported in recent days having obtained a positive result from a rapid test. Self-reported cases, which are not included in daily reported cases, have increased by 12% for a week.
The two new deaths reported on Thursday bring the daily average calculated over seven days to six. The trend is down 21% over one week.
Vaccination is stagnating
The pace of the vaccination campaign is still stagnating. Quebec administers an average of 16,500 doses per day, or 9% less than last week.
The rhythm of the campaign does not make it possible to increase the vaccination coverage. Taking into account the fact that public health recommends getting vaccinated after five months, only 20.1% of Quebecers have their vaccination up to date.
People 70 and over have the most up-to-date vaccinations. Almost 52% of this group received a dose in the last 5 months.
