COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know on Thursday

• Quebec reported 969new cases of COVID-19 and 30more deaths on Thursday, eight of which occurred in the last 24 hours. Another two deaths were removed from the total because they were no longer deemed related to COVID-19.Since the start of the pandemic, there have been89,963confirmed cases in the province and 6,005people have died.
• There are 493peoplein hospital (an increase of five), including83in intensive care (an increase of three).Here's aguide to the numbers.
• Having trouble keeping track of what's now closed?Consult our list.
• CBC Montreal is collecting stories from Quebecers who have recovered from COVID-19. If you would like to share your experience, pleaseget in touch.

COVID-19 closures may be in place in the pronvince's red zonesfor a little longer than initially anticipated,Franois Legaultadmitted in a news conference Thursday.

He said case numbers seem to have reached a plateau, with an average of about 1,000 new cases per day.

Still, with 28 more deaths added to the total today, he said it is important to keep following public health regulations and to strike a balance between protecting the vulnerable and returning to a sense of normalcy.

Legault also announced Thursday that children will be allowed to go trick-or-treating this year, but with some conditions in place.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• An outbreak at nearby hydro facilities has a Cree community in northern Quebec on edge.
• Demand for flu shot surges at Quebec pharmacies and clinics.
• Pandemic has lengthened wait times for surgery, leaving hundreds of patients in limbo.
• How rapid tests work and why timing is critical.
• COVID-19 is changing the way men and womensplit the risk in the workplace.
• This is what you can and can't do whileliving in a red zone.