COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday

• Quebec has 56,216confirmedcases of COVID-19 and5,609peoplehave died, an increase of 137cases and twodeaths from a day earlier. Four deaths from before July 1 were also reported Wednesday.
• There are 308peoplein hospital (a decrease of 23), including 27in intensive care (no change from a day earlier). Here's aguide to the numbers.
• CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.
• Having trouble keeping track of what has reopened?Consult our list.

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Bars in Quebec have to follow new rules as of Friday, following a flare-up of COVID-19 infections on Montreal's South Shore.

Those regulations include an earlier closing time for the province's bars. Last call for alcoholic beverages will be midnight instead of 3 a.m., and bars must be cleared of customers by 1 a.m. Bars will be required to operate at a reduced capacity of no more than 50 per cent, and customers must remain seated at tables. No dancing is allowed.

Quebec announced it would crack down on venues earlier this week,after several young people in the Montrgie tested positive for COVID-19, some of whom had visited a local bar.

A mobile site is set up at the Centre Roger-Tougas in the town of Mercier from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mercier residents do not need an appointment to go.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• A spike in COVID-19 cases on Montreal's South Shore has some businesses closing temporarily as health authorities track the outbreak. A mobile testing clinic will be set up at a community centre in Mercier today.
• Via Rail is cutting about 1,000 jobs amid struggles over the pandemic.
• How risky is a manicure? Your COVID-19 questions answered.