Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world on Thursday
CBC
The latest:
Quebec seems to have reached a peak in COVID-19 hospitalizations, but the province "can't afford" to lift any more measures aimed at slowing the spread of infections, Premier François Legault said Thursday.
"Today, finally, we had a net decrease of hospitalizations, so 14 fewer people in hospital … [and] for the time being, things seem to be stabilizing at around 3,400 hospitalizations," he told reporters.
However, Legault noted that Quebec is still missing about 12,000 employees in its health-care network, who are absent due to COVID-19, so people in the province should "stand in solidarity," continue to follow measures, "stay prudent" and "think about hospital staff."
"I understand we are all tired, but lives are at stake," Legault said. "I'm currently under a lot of pressure to remove measures, but my duty is to be responsible, to protect the lives of Quebecers."
Quebec on Thursday reported 3,411 hospitalizations, with 285 people in intensive care. The province's COVID-19 situation report, which is updated daily, showed 98 additional deaths. The province also reported 6,528 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In neighbouring Ontario, Premier Doug Ford on Thursday announced a phased approach to lifting restrictions.
Among the changes, restaurant dining rooms, gyms, cinemas, museums and zoos — which have been closed since early this month — will be allowed to reopen at 50 per cent capacity on Jan. 31.
Ford said there will be 21 days between each reopening step, noting that pauses are a possibility if health indicators aren't trending the right way.
"If trends remain stable or improve, Ontario will move to the next step on Feb. 21, and then March 14," he said.
The provincial COVID-19 dashboard on Thursday showed hospitalizations at 4,061, with 594 people in intensive care. The province also reported an additional 75 deaths, though health officials noted the number reflected a data catch-up.
Ontario also reported 7,757 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney on Thursday said the province would only consider relaxing COVID-19 restrictions further if there is a "sustained decline" in pressure on hospitals, which "would follow a sustained decline in new cases, of course."
"I think we can reasonably expect to see 1,500 or more COVID patients in non-ICU beds when we reach the hospitalization peak a little later in January," Kenney said at a news briefing.
Snow and freezing rain could affect morning commutes on Tuesday, according to a special weather statement issued by Environment Canada.
Daniel Jolivet, 68, had his first taste of freedom this weekend after spending the last 33 years behind bars.
Peguis First Nation is suing former chief Glenn Hudson over allegations he failed to act in the best interest of the band and financially benefitted from breaches of duty — including claims that he enriched himself, his family and supporters.
The Saskatchewan NDP's pace in 2025 has been frenetic.
If you’re ever walking down this east Hamilton neighbourhood during the holiday season, there’s a festive house that just might grab your attention.
It was just a few months ago that U.S. President Donald Trump told the world he doesn’t want Canadian cars.
Flu cases across Canada are on the rise and may push hospitals to their limits over the holidays and into the new year, leading health officials in regions across the country to warn people not to visit emergency rooms unless it's absolutely necessary.
More than 30 years after Canada's military allowed women to serve in combat roles, it's now specifically designing uniforms and body armour to fit their bodies.
The holiday season has arrived in Thunder Bay, and that means reduced hours, or closures, for businesses, city offices, and other amenities.
As Toronto’s food scene continues to grow, some in the industry say the pool of professional chefs hasn’t kept up with demand.
Police have charged a truck driver from the Hamilton area in a hit-and-run crash that killed a tow truck operator who had been stopped while helping a driver on the side of Highway 401 outside Woodstock, Ont.
Power has been restored to most of Haines Junction after a problem earlier on Monday at the local generating station.
A 56-year-old man will return to court on Tuesday for a charge of second-degree murder, laid in a case London police have called an act of femicide.