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

• On Tuesday, Quebec reported2,380people in hospital (a decrease of 45from the previous day), including 178in intensive care (the same as the previous day).
• The province reported 2,504 new cases of COVID-19 and 56deaths.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 885,696confirmed cases and 13,551people have died.
• The province also reported Tuesdaya total of18,025,489doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered, including32,507in the last 24 hours.
• 91 per cent of the eligible population in the province (agedfive and up) have received one dose of the vaccine;85 per cent have received two doses, and 48per cent have received three doses.

The new cases are those reported to the Quebec government only. They are believed to be an underrepresentation of the virus's spread, given the limited availability of PCR tests and use of home testing kits.

Quebec Premier Franois Legaulthas announced a further loosening of many public health restrictions.

While home gatherings will be allowed without restrictions, public health officials willrecommend that those gatherings be limited to 10 people or members from no more than three different households.The measure come into effect on Saturday.

Restaurants will also be able to accommodatea maximum of 10 people per table.Bars will be allowed to reopen on Feb. 28 with capacity limits and some restrictions. Dancing will still be prohibited until March 14.

As of today, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and sports venuesare allowed to reopen at 50 per cent capacity or a maximum of 500 people (1,000 for outdoor events) and proof of vaccination is required for entry.

Places of worship have also reopened with a cap of 250vaccinated people.

Liberal MPcriticizesfederal handling of pandemic

Liberal Quebec MP Jol Lightbound says he's uncomfortable with the federal government's handling of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, saying its pandemic response has become "politicized" and "divisive."

Pointing to more than a dozen developed countries that have started to do away with restrictions already, Lightbound said Tuesday it's reasonable to rethink Canada's COVID-19 approach as it becomes increasingly clear that the world will be dealing with this virus for years to come.

Lightboundsaid people who question existing policies should not be "demonized" by theirprime minister.

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