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

The latest:

• As of Tuesday, Quebechas48,598 confirmed casesof COVID-19, and4,139 peoplehave died,an increase of 614 cases and 70 deaths from a day earlier.
• There were 1,403people in hospital (a decrease of 22), including 181 in intensive care (an increase of two) as of Monday evening.Here's aguideto the numbers.
• Some COVID-19 testing sites in Montreal will be operating on reduced hours this week, with the city under a heat alert until Friday.
• Shopping malls outside the Montreal area can reopen June 1.
• There is no government news conference at 1 p.m. today. Numbers will be updated as they become available.

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Quebec's ombudsman is launchingan independent investigationinto the COVID-19 crisis unfolding in the province's nursing homes.

It will look into the Ministry of Health and Social Services and long-term care homes within the public health network.

Residents in the province's network of CHSLDs and private seniors' residences account for more than 80 per cent of deaths related to the virus.

• MORE:Quebec ombudsman to investigate COVID-19 crisis in CHSLDs

Dealing with the heat in a pandemic

The expected hot and muggy weather in much of southern Quebecwill have an impact on COVID-19 testing in the province.

Health authorities are especially concerned for testing staff who work outdoors at mobile testing units. Because of that, thesite outside the Centre Snchalin Longueuil will be closed until at least Friday.

In Montreal, some mobile testing sites will be closed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. over the next three days.

The same people vulnerable to COVID-19 are also susceptible to the ill effects ofa heat wave. But with the temperature starting to climb, it may be harder to keep an eye on those who may need help, given the restrictions still in place in Montreal to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Families brace for quiet summer

Carrie-Ann Despres was looking forward to an action-packed Montreal summer with her three-year-old son, but her plans have been put on hold indefinitely.

With team sports cancelled,the province has allowedactivities likeboating, kite surfing, golf, horseback riding and scuba diving sports that a single mom like Despres simply can't afford.

• MORE:Montrealers warily eye summer with nothing to do