Quebec reports 16,461 new COVID-19 cases as province-wide curfew comes into effect

Quebec is reporting 16,461 new COVID-19 cases as stricter measures come into effect.

As a result of soaring infection rates across the province, the government introduced stricter measures Thursday, including no private gatherings, the closing of restaurant dining rooms, places of worship and more.

The province's health officials also confirmed 13 more deaths, a total of 11,724.

The positivity rate in Quebec is now 31.7 per cent and the seven-day average is 11,706.

There are currently 1,522 active outbreaks.