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

• Quebec reported 1,328new caseson Wednesdayand 53more deaths.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been257,330confirmed cases and 9,630people have died.
• There are 1,290people in hospital (adecrease of 34), including 221in intensive care (an increase of four).
• 4,340 doses ofvaccine were administered Tuesday. A total of 229,219doses have been administered since Dec. 14, accounting for 2.68per cent of the population.
• Did you lose a loved one to COVID-19 in the past year? Send us a note if you'd like to share their story

With the number of new, daily cases continuing to drop,the premier is mulling which restrictions to lift, and in whichregions, but a Superior Court judge has taken at least one decision out of Franois Legault's hands.

The judgeruled that the province's curfew does not apply to people experiencing homelessness. It issued a safeguard order that suspends the overnight curfew for the homeless population until Feb. 5.

In her ruling, the judge said the measurehas had a discriminatory and disproportionate effect on people who have no place to go at night. The province said Wednesday it has decided not to challenge the ruling.

Meanwhile, the Quebec government could lift some restrictions in the coming weeks, but the premier has made it clear he is unlikely to loosen the rules in the Montreal area by far the hardest hit region of the province.

The pandemic has been difficult for everyoneand experts say it's important to remember that there is a lot right now that is beyond our control.

If you have been feelingisolated, we've compiledsome ways to help you cope as part ofa special CBC Quebec project calledOut of the Dark: Real Talk on Mental Health.

Out of the Dark: 'There's just a gap'

4 years ago

Duration 6:13

Young Quebecers are struggling to find a place for their grief and frustration as the measures to contain COVID-19 drag on and compound the impact on their lives.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• A judge has ruled that Quebec's curfew does not apply to homeless population.
• Quebec could loosen restrictions in some regions next month.
• The province's major media outlets issue a unanimous call for more access to health installations.
• Montreal public health director apologizes over rule confusion after police raid synagogues.
• A MontrealHeart Institute study suggests a widely available anti-inflammatory drug is an effective COVID-19 treatment.
• Quebec allows places of worships to reopen, with strict gathering limits.
• If vacation trips aren't banned, Legault wants those returning to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense
• City of Montreal converts arena, skate park into shelters and warming centre for the homeless.
• CBC'sinteractivecoronavirus trackerwithcases, hospitalizations and vaccinations across Canada.
• Here's alist of acceptable reasons for being out after curfew in Quebec.