Almost Half Of Canada's COVID-19 Cases Are In Quebec As They Confirm 732 More

It’s been a difficult 24 hours in Quebec. As cases of the novel coronavirus continue to be diagnosed across the country, the province is now reporting almost half of Canada’s total cases of the disease. In just one day, the region confirmed 732 new cases of COVID-19 in Quebec, taking their total to 4,162.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Quebec Premier François Legault confirmed that the province had seen a considerable increase in cases of COVID-19 overnight, as more than 700 people were officially diagnosed.

As of Tuesday, the total number of people in the region to have the disease has risen to 4,162, which is almost half of the total number of cases across Canada.

These latest figures represent a 21% jump in just 24 hours. This is the biggest increase in cases that Quebec has seen since it started issuing daily coronavirus statistics.

While these figures were expected by the region's health officials, they do account for a considerable number of Canada’s total cases.

On Tuesday afternoon, Canada had 8,486 confirmed cases of the disease, and 98 people had died.

Of these people, 31 died in the province of Quebec. Six have died since Monday.

5,601 Quebecers are still awaiting COVID-19 test results.

Despite the startling statistics, Premier François Legault reassured Quebecers that there was positive news on the horizon.

He noted that there are now 82 people receiving treatment in intensive care in the region, which is up only five since Monday.

This small increase is evidence of “good news,” he promised.

During his statement, Legault expressed concern for the province’s frontline staff and health care workers, as he explained that they had been required to use a year's worth of equipment in just four weeks.

He added that his "top priority" was to ensure staff had all of the medical and safety equipment that they needed, some of which will be sent to Quebec from Ontario.

"A new shipment should arrive in the next few days, and I want to thank my friend, Premier Doug Ford, who accepted this morning to transfer us some equipment," Legault said on Tuesday.

On Monday, the premier reiterated his confidence in Quebec's essential services.

"Our health-care system is in control because there remains capacity for what will come next," he stated.