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

• Quebec reported 189new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and two newdeaths (none in the last 24 hours).
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 372,476confirmed cases and11,166people have died.
• There are 251 people in hospital (adecrease of six), including 64 in intensive care (an increase of four).
• 84,936vaccinedoses were administered in the last 24 hours and 2,777doses before Wednesday, for a total of 6,385,517doses administered in Quebec.
• As of Wednesday, 76per cent of Quebecers have received one dose of vaccine, and nineper cent have received two doses.

The Quebec government is looking to reduce the province's surgery waiting list to 100,000 patients by March 2023.

Many surgeries were postponed in order to helpthe province's health network deal with the high number of COVID-19 patients.

Before the pandemic, thatlist was up to 125,000 patients, but it has since grown. Anestimated 145,000 people are now waiting for surgery.

Health officials expect the wait-list to grow to 150,000 by October. Ata news conference Thursday, Health MinisterChristian Dubsaid he wants the listtostabilize by year's end, but the number won't start falling until 2022.

In recent weeks, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has dropped significantly. There are 251 people in hospital due to the coronavirus, according to the province's latest daily update.

That is the lowest number since late September.

Second dose confusion

Quebecers65and over are now eligibleto move up their second vaccination appointment through the online booking systemClic Sant.

But somelooking to schedule an earlier appointment have faced problems with the website, and there is also confusion at some walk-in clinics.This morning atPalais des congrssome over 65 were told to come back later.

Other clinics have been accepting peoplewho received their first shot more than eight weeks ago, regardless of their age.

In a statement Wednesday, the Health Ministrysaid seniors who are having trouble moving up their appointment should ask a loved one for help.

If that doesn't work, there may be missing client data in the computer system. The ministry said those looking for a vaccine can go to a walk-in clinic.The other option is to wait untilyour original appointment time to get your second does, the ministry said

People waiting for asecond dose ofModerna will soon have access. The federal governmentis expecting seven million doses of this vaccineby the end of the month, which means Quebec will get 1.5 million.

More restrictions to be lifted

The province is further loosening restrictions in much of the province,allowing residentsto gather with another household indoors starting next Monday.

Montreal, Laval and much of the surrounding area will be downgraded to yellow zones.

Funerals and weddings with a maximum of 50 people will be allowed, and high school promswill be permitted to take place outdoors with a limit of 250 people.

WATCH | Montreal doctor warns of potential consequences of large, riotous gatherings

After riotous celebrations outside Bell Centre, Montreal doctor warns of potential consequences

3 years ago

Duration 1:39

Dr. Donald Vinh says people may regret gathering without masks or distancing if it means outbreaks or a return to confinement.

Top COVID-19 stories

• Months after launch of the vaccine campaign, some hard-hit areas still struggle with access
• The COVID-19 vaccination blitz for students is in full swing across Quebec, complete with DJs
• Quebec gives high school seniors green light for proms, graduation ceremonies.
• Restaurants, gyms reopen in Montreal as province shifts vaccination effort to schools.
• Montreal's public health director urges people to continue to avoid private gatherings
• Parts of Montreal and Lavalstruggling with low vaccination rates
• Life for elementary and high school students in Quebec could be back to 'normal' in fall.
• Here's where you can get your second AstraZeneca dose.