MONTREAL — Quebec is reporting 995 new COVID-19 cases and three further deaths attributed to the virus.

The province's Health Department reported 11 more hospitalizations compared to the previous day for a total of 218, with three more patients listed in intensive care for a total of 75.

Health Minister Christian Dubé says authorities expected new cases to rise as students went back to school, but calls the rise in hospitalizations worrisome.

Dubé says via his Twitter account that of 36 new hospitalized patients, 32 were not adequately vaccinated against COVID-19.

But the health minister adds the good news is that people are still getting their first doses, which can help minimize the impact of the pandemic's fourth wave.

Authorities say 23,328 vaccine doses were administered on Friday, including more than 8,000 first shots.

According to the Health Department, 88 per cent of Quebecers aged 12 and up have received a first dose, with 81 per cent deemed adequately vaccinated.

The province has reported more than 396,000 confirmed cases and 11,304 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press