MONTREAL — Quebec is reporting a significant drop in COVID-19-related deaths today, with the 33 recorded in the last 24 hours representing a drop of more than 50 per cent from the 68 logged a day earlier.

Health authorities say the number of hospitalizations declined for a fourth consecutive day, decreasing by 12 to 3,283. 

There are also two fewer patients listed in intensive care today, bringing the total to 273.

Officials are reporting 5,141 new COVID-19 cases today, but say the case count isn't representative of the actual situation because PCR testing is limited to certain high-risk groups.

The province says it administered 75,299 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday. 

The Health Department says 90 per cent of Quebecers aged five and older have received a first dose of vaccine, 83 per cent have received two doses, while 39 per cent have now received a booster shot.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2022. 

The Canadian Press