Public health provides an update on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec.

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The national director of public health, Dr. Luc Boileau, and the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, were not present.

Dr. Marie-France Raynault, Senior Strategic Medical Advisor to the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), will hold this press briefing.

Here's the takeaway from the press briefing so far:

Quebec recorded 18 new deaths linked to COVID-19 on Thursday. The province also has 1,860 people hospitalized, including 45 in intensive care.