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

• Quebec reported 1,207 new cases ofCOVID-19 and 34more deaths on Thursday.
• Since the start of the pandemic, there have been128,440 confirmedcases and6,744people have died. Here's aguide to the numbers.
• There are 651peoplein hospital (a decreaseof one), including 101in intensive care (an increase of one).
• 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.

Quebecers should know later today what gatherings will be allowed during the holiday season, and whether or not the winter break for schools will be extended.

Sources tell Radio-Canada Premier Franois Legault is considering the pros and cons of twosets of guidelines, before announcing his decision later today at a scheduled press conference.

The province could allow gatherings for a few days around Christmas, with a maximum of 10 people, with no limit on the number of households they can come from.

The government is also considering allowing those same gatherings for a few days around New Year's Day as well.

Under that scenario, the winter break for schools would be extended by a week in an effort to prevent to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The premier will speak at 5 p.m. He will be accompanied by Health Minister Christian Dub, Public Health Director Dr. HoracioArrudaand Education Minister Jean-Franois Roberge.

You can watch it here or on CBC Montreal's Facebook page.

Top COVID-19 stories today

• Quebec opens the door to gatherings of up to 250 people in red zones.
• Don't plan your holiday menu just yet, Quebec's guidelines for holiday gatherings are coming soon.
• Most Canadians could be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of next year.
• Quebec premier mulls temporarily closing schools this winter to reduce spread of COVID-19.
• A second school lockdown may be workable for some parents,but it won't be forall.
• Quebecreveals its $1.5 billion plan to kickstart an economy strugglingunder COVID-19 restrictions.
• As winter approaches, Quebec has yet to produceplan for ventilation in classrooms.
• The death toll has again begun to rise, withmore than 700 deaths since school beganin late August.