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COVID-19 in Quebec: Daily cases hit highest number Canada has seen during the pandemic

With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreading across Canada, on Tuesday Quebec reported the highest daily case number for any single province or territory throughout the pandemic.

Quebec has reported 5,043 new COVID-19 cases and eight more deaths.

There are currently 415 people in Quebec hospitals with COVID-19, an increase of 18 from the previous day, with 88 people in intensive care.

Quebec's high case number comes just as the province shut down a number of businesses and services, including schools.

On Monday at 5:00 p.m., bars, casinos, movie theatres, performance venues, gyms and spas in the province were closed.

Schools of all levels were also mandated to close at the same time, with in-person learning not returning until Jan. 10, 2022 at the earliest. Classes will continue into the new year as scheduled but with virtual instruction only.

Restaurants can remain open at 50 per cent capacity, operating only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. each day.

"With the increase of cases and hospitalizations, we must put in place new measures," health minister Christian Dubé said at a press conference on Monday.

"I know the situation is tough but now is the time, again, not to get discouraged, to be strong. I ask everyone to be part of the effort, again, it can make all the difference."

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, who recently confirmed she tested positive for COVID-19, declared a state of emergency in the city due to the spread of the Omicron variant.