Quebec public health has added over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases and seven additional deaths to the provincial tally.
According to the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, 1,248 new coronavirus cases have been reported over the past day. Of the newly added deaths, two occurred over the past 24 hours, and five occurred earlier in April.
Hospitalizations have decreased by five since Wednesday morning for a total of 711 across the province. Intensive care numbers also decreased by four for a total of 174.
Quebec administered 84,837 COVID-19 vaccines since yesterday’s report for a total of 2,589,682 since December 2020.
There are now 341,645 total cases in Quebec, 10,845 deaths, 318,676 recoveries, and 3,258,569 negative cases.
As of Wednesday, all Quebecers aged 45 and older can book their first AstraZeneca dose.
Quebec Premier François Legault made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon and stated that the “AstraZeneca vaccine is very safe and effective.”
“If you’re 45 and older, hurry up,” said Legault in French. “Go make your appointment, and you can get vaccinated.”
Legault says he is “pleased” with the province’s vaccination plan and says Quebec has vaccinated the greatest portion of the population in the country besides Saskatchewan.
In regards to who’s permitted to get vaccinated first, Legault says he believes the government has made the right choice to start with Quebecers who are at the greatest risk. He says since public health is vaccinating “more than other provinces,” it gives them the opportunity to “respect a certain order.”
