COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Wednesday

• Quebec reported1,559new caseson Wednesday and sevenmore deaths.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been331,031confirmed cases and10,763people have died.
• There are 660people in hospital (an increase of 17), including 152in intensive care (an increase of two).
• 68,192vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours for atotal of 2,075,808sinceDec. 14.

For weeks, the increase in the number of cases did not appear to have a major effect on the number of people in hospital because of the virus. Today, Quebec's health minister says, that is no longer the case.

Last Thursday, the province reported 543 hospitalizations. The latest total is 660.

"The rise in cases in recent days is now affecting our hospitalizations,"Health MinisterChristian Dubwrote on Twitter Wednesday.

As a result, some Quebec City hospitals have had to cancel medical procedures this week.

The strictest public health restrictions in the province will remain in place in Quebec Cityuntil at least April 25, and they will also be applied to more municipalities.

Initially, the measurestargeted Quebec City, Lvis and Gatineau. On Tuesday, the premier said the spread of the virus justified imposing the restrictions on all of Outaouais and Chaudire-Appalaches.

That means schools as well as all non-essential businesses will remain closed and the curfew willtake effect at 8 p.m.

Avoid ERs in Montreal

In a rare move, all five health authorities on the Montreal island are urging people to avoid going to emergency rooms. They say ERs are packed and they're asking the population to go to a clinic or call their family doctor if they have minor problems.

As of this morning, the average occupation rate in ERs across the island was at 114 per cent.

Vaccination for people with chronic illnesses

People across Quebec who are60 and youngerand have high-risk chronic illnesses and receive treatments or consult their doctors in hospital areable to book their vaccine appointments. Eligible people who are not able to get the vaccine at a hospital can also get their shot at a pharmacy.

The full list of criteria and guidelinesis available here.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• Health-care workers in Park Ex are worried about vaccine accessibility for vulnerable populations.
• At-risk for COVID-19 and not sure you're eligible for a vaccine? Here's what the province says
• The pandemic is creating challenges for this Eastern Townships water buffalo farmer.
• The rules about when you have to wear a mask are confusing.
• Some Quebec health-care workers will now need to show proof of vaccination.
• Quebecers 55 and overjump at the chance to get AstraZeneca vaccine without appointment.
• Driven outdoors by the pandemic, Quebecers are rescuing birds in record numbers
• VIDEO |Essential but forgotten? Youth who toil in grocery stores, cafs and restaurants feel the strain.