Limit Your Contacts, Says Quebec Health Minister As COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise | The Canadian News

Quebec reported 8,231 COVID-19 cases on Monday and 10 more deaths attributable to the virus.

However, health authorities warn that with the introduction of rapid test kits in the community on December 20, the number of confirmed cases reported may not reflect the situation on the ground and could be higher.

In an attempt to limit the spread of the virus, fueled by the highly contagious variant of Omicron, the government has continued to tighten restrictions, limiting private gatherings to six people or two-family bubbles starting on Boxing Day.

Government officials have repeatedly urged Quebecers to reduce their number of contacts, a request repeated on Monday by Health Minister Christian Dubé amid rising hospitalizations.

Between December 22 and 26, COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 141, Dubé wrote on Twitter.

The Quebec Public Health Institute reports 614 pandemic-related hospitalizations, including 109 patients in intensive care.

Meanwhile, Quebecers aged 60 and over can book an appointment on the Clic Santé website to receive a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Prime Minister François Legault, 64, is scheduled to receive his third dose at a Montreal vaccine clinic later that day.

Since the start of the pandemic, Quebec has recorded 546,437 infections, 472,692 recoveries, and 11,677 deaths.

—With a file from The Canadian Press

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