COVID-19 positivity rate reaches 21.4 percent in Quebec as hospitalizations surge
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 23, 2024 3 weeks, 59 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Quebec is currently witnessing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, with the positivity rate soaring to 21.4%, the highest since December last year. This alarming spike has also led to a sharp increase in hospitalizations, reaching levels not seen since last winter. The rest of Canada is also facing the same situation with the exception that certain provinces are refusing to report on the COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates.
COVID-19 positivity rate reaches 21.4 percent in Quebec as hospitalizations surge
Hospitalizations at Record Levels
As of the latest reports, over 1,200 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Quebec. This marks a significant rise in hospitalizations, which have been steadily increasing since April. The province's healthcare system is once again under immense pressure, with 1244 weekly hospitalizations recorded, the highest number since the peak of the pandemic earlier this year.
https://www.inspq.qc.ca/covid-19/donnees
In addition to the rising hospitalizations, the province is also experiencing a troubling increase in fatalities, with over 30 COVID-19-related deaths being reported each week. This has brought the total number of deaths in Quebec to 20,342 since the pandemic began.
https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/situation-coronavirus-in-quebec
Outbreaks in Healthcare and Long-Term Care Facilities
The surge in COVID-19 cases is not confined to the general population; it is also heavily impacting healthcare facilities and long-term care homes. The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec has reported outbreaks in 110 long-term care homes and 54 healthcare centers across the province. These data were covered by local
COVID-19 News reports.
https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/covid-19-hospitalizations-at-highest-level-since-winter
https://globalnews.ca/news/10710872/quebec-covid19-summer-surge-2024/
These outbreaks are contributing to the rising number of hospitalizations and deaths, underscoring the continued vulnerability of these settings to the virus.
The Persistence of COVID-19
Despite the widespread availability of vaccines and ongoing public health measures, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat in Quebec. Experts are warning that the virus is likely here to stay, although it has yet to establish a consistent seasonal pattern similar to the common cold and flu. This unpredictability makes it challenging for health authorities to anticipate and prepare for future surges.
The Summer Surge
Unlike the traditional cold and flu season, which typically peaks in the winter, Quebec is seeing a summer surge in COVID-19 cases. This increase began in April and has continued through the summer months, leading to the current high levels of hospitalizations and positivity rates. The situation in Quebec serves as a stark reminder that COVID-19 remains a potent threat, even outside of the typical respiratory virus season.
Looking Ahead
As Quebec continues to grapple with the current surge in COVID-19 cases, health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. The high positivity rate and increasing hospitalizations highlight the ongoing risks posed by the virus. While the pandemic's trajectory remains uncertain, the current data from Quebec underscores the importance of continued public health efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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