Cases of novel coronavirus in Quebec have climbed to 12,292 on Saturday, as worries about residents in long-term care centres continue to grow.

Quebec Premier François Legault announced 48 more deaths, bringing the total death count to 289. There are currently 778 people in hospital with COVID-19, including 211 in intensive care.

The provincial government’s focus has now shifted to elders and staff in long-term care facilities (CHSLDs) where the situation is dire.

Public Health announced that 90 per cent of COVID-19 related deaths in Quebec are aged 70 and over.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has also taken over management of a privately-owned long-term care facility, Résidence Herron in Dorval, following a recent outbreak of cases. The Quebec government said it discovered on Friday evening that 31 people have died at the care centre since March 13.

As for the rest of the population, the Quebec government has not ruled out reopening schools and daycares earlier than planned — but Legault said no decision has been made yet as the pandemic remains an evolving situation.

The Quebec government equally announced on Friday that all events — including all festivals — will be cancelled until August 31.

— With files from Global’s Kalina Laframboise and The Canadian Press

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