Quebec health authorities have reported that they’ve completed 14,572 tests in a 24-hour stretch.
It means for the first time, Canada’s worst-hit province has surpassed its goal of 14,000 tests a day, which was set May 1.
There’s a two-day delay in Quebec’s testing statistics, therefore the 14,572 stat is for May 21. In addition, Quebec’s health system reported that they collected 16,273 samples that same day.
Health officials have made it clear that increased testing is crucial for the province to understand the scope of COVID-19’s impact on its population. Earlier this week, Justin Trudeau also pledged to help Quebec and Ontario reach their testing goals.
“The 14,000 tests is a key ingredient, and the other key ingredient is to follow the guidelines,” said Quebec deputy premier Geneviève Guilbault, while pointing to the importance of physical distancing and wearing a mask.
On Saturday, the province also reported that 75 more people have died, increasing its death toll to 3,940.
The victims are among its 46,838 cases, an increase of 697 since Friday’s update. There are 14,044 people who have recovered from the respiratory virus, up by 225. In the past 24 hours, Quebec has released 27 people from hospital. Of its 1,452 patients in hospital, there are 167 who are in intensive care, down by four.
Montreal’s COVID-19 epidemic continues with 23,696 cases and 2,508 fatalities, increases of 283 and 54, respectively. Laval and Montérégie join it as the only other two regions with over 5,000 cases, while Montreal is the only one with at least 1,000 fatalities.
