The projections foresee a major increase in the occupancy rates in the coming weeks," the INESSS said in a statement. "For the first time it seems likely [Greater Montreal] will surpass capacity in the next three weeks, particularly given nearly two-thirds of designated beds are currently occupied." The situation in Quebec's outlying regions, which the INESSS forecast as dire earlier this month, appears to have stabilized somewhat. The fact that this moment is now heaving into view has at least one Montreal primary care doctor spooked. More cancelled surgeries, treatmentsThe province set aside roughly 2,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients this past summer as part of its contingency planning for a second wave.

Source: CBC News December 31, 2020 20:08 UTC