COVID-19: fewer occupied beds, but 22 deaths
One hundred and ninety-five people infected with COVID-19 were able to leave hospitals in Quebec yesterday, bringing the toll of hospitalizations to 2,051 in the province.
This represents a decrease of 68 occupied beds compared to the previous day, while 127 people entered the hospital during the same period.
In intensive care, the drop is four people (6 new entries, 10 new exits). Sixty people are still in intensive care.
On the other hand, we deplore 22 new deaths, for a total of 15 106 deaths linked to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in Quebec.< /p>
In addition, 7,337 healthcare workers are absent from their posts for reasons related to COVID (preventive withdrawal, isolation, awaiting results, etc.).
Optimistic authorities
The portrait of the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) for the week of April 23 to 29 revealed yesterday that, for a second consecutive week, the number of new hospital COVID cases declared is down slightly (-17% compared to the previous week). This decrease is observed in all age groups, except for people aged 60 to 69, for whom the institute observes an increase of 8%.
INESSS predicts that the occupancy rate for regular beds should also decrease over the next two or three weeks. The same goes for the intensive care bed occupancy rate.
It is also interesting to note that just over half of new cases (52%) are people who already have the COVID-19 when they are admitted to hospital or who contract the disease during their stay.
The mask falls on May 14
The mandatory wearing of the mask will be lifted as of May 14 in public places. This was announced by the interim national director of public health, Dr. Luc Boileau, on Wednesday.
However, it will remain mandatory on public transport and in places that provide care, either hospitals, CHSLDs and medical clinics. The mask will also continue to be recommended in several residential settings such as residences for the elderly and in outbreak situations.
