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Montreal hospitals were struggling with a shortage of at least 800 nurses in the months before the second wave. On Dec. 17, authorities revealed more than 400 health professionals had COVID-19 and were unable to work. In addition, another 500 were absent as they waited at home for the results of their tests. Officials have not disclosed more recent figures.
On Monday, the Health Ministry posted 1,294 COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province, up by 69 since Sunday. The number of ICU stays rose by nine to 188. There was no breakdown for Montreal hospitals.
For the past two days, Montreal has averaged 1,214 COVID-19 cases, double the number of Dec. 17, when schools closed temporarily.
At Maisonneuve-Rosemont in the east end, the 18-bed ICU was full on Monday. Half of the patients had COVID-19.
