Quebec reported 56 fewer hospital admissions due to COVID-19 on Friday and 18 new deaths.

The total number of virus-related deaths reached 16,116. The decrease in hospitalizations brings the total to 2,000, 678 of which were primarily due to the coronavirus.

The Ministry of Health said 123 people were admitted and 179 people were discharged in the past 24 hours.

Intensive care unit cases remained relatively stable with an increase of two people in intensive care compared to the previous day.

The number of healthcare workers absent for COVID-related reasons also decreased, with 4,334 employees absent from work.

This number was 4,910 seven days ago. The latest update from the Ministry of Health said there were 1,013 new virus cases in the last 24 hours through PCR tests, which are reserved for priority clients.

In the past day, 296 rapid antigen test results were recorded in the province, including 249 positive tests.

Healthcare workers administered 9,971 new vaccine doses in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 20,377,156 injections given to Quebec residents.