Boileau explained that the upward curve of infections is mainly attributable to the BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 variants, which account for 75 percent of the new cases in Quebec.

He warned that all of them “are significantly more contagious than the original strain”.

The official called on Quebecers not to neglect protective measures during this summer period and suggested the use of masks during indoor gatherings and outdoor events with crowds of people.

Almost four million infections and 41,911 deaths have been recorded in Canada since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out worldwide more than two years ago.

The North American country ranks 32nd on a global list topped by the United States with more than 89,230,000 cases and a death toll of more than one million, according to data from the Worldometer tracker.

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