The spread of COVID-19 is on the rise again in Quebec while hospitalizations are stabilizing. The province is also reporting 12 new deaths on Tuesday.
Posted at 11:36 a.m.
Several indicators point to a resumption of the spread. Quebec reports 902 new cases on Tuesday. These bring the daily average to 765. The trend is thus up 11% over one week. These figures likely reflect only a portion of total infections, due to limited access to PCR screening tests. Moreover, the proportion of PCR screening tests proving positive for COVID-19 remains high, at 8.6%.
In addition to the cases detected by PCR tests, 300 people have also reported in recent days having tested positive on a rapid test. Self-reported cases, which are not included in daily reported cases, have increased by 8% for a week.
Another indicator of the resumption of the spread, the number of workers absent due to the pandemic has increased for a week. They were 3,470 on Tuesday to have to isolate themselves, or 9% more than seven days ago.
Hospitalizations stabilize
In addition, Quebec reports an increase of 34 hospitalizations on Tuesday. The 1,600 people currently hospitalized represent a stable trend over a week. In intensive care, the 33 patients also represent stabilization.
The number of people hospitalized should remain stable over the next few days, with the number of discharges equaling admissions. On average, there are six more patients every day.
Finally, the 12 new deaths reported on Tuesday bring the daily average calculated over seven days to 11. The trend is up 30% over one week.