Quebec, which has the most significant incidence of Covid-related deaths in Canada, is currently experiencing an outbreak.

On Tuesday, the premier stated that the province would be the first in the country to penalize those who are not vaccinated financially.

Although roughly 12.8% of Quebec people are unvaccinated, they account for nearly half of all hospitalizations.

By 1 January, slightly over 85 percent of Quebec citizens had gotten at least one vaccine dosage, according to federal data.

Premier Francois Legault announced at a news conference that individuals who have not yet received their first vaccine dosage will be required to pay a "contribution."

The amount has not been determined yet but will be "significant," he stated.

"I think right now it's a question of fairness for the 90 percent of the population who made some sacrifices," Legault added. "I think we owe them this kind of measure."

Last week, the province stated that evidence of immunization would be required to shop at government-run cannabis and liquor businesses.

The second of the pandemic, a curfew is also in effect, lasting from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day.

Quebec's mortality toll from Covid-19 hit 12,028 on Tuesday.

This comes after 62 people died in the preceding 24-hour period. The daily rate is comparable to that of January 2021, before the province's massive vaccination program.

According to local data, 45 percent of Covid-19 patients in intensive care have not been immunized.

The premier's press conference was attended by his interim public health director, who took over following the resignation of the long-serving prior director following criticism of his handling of the latest Omicron-driven epidemic.

Montreal's hospitals, the province's largest city, are approaching capacity and have begun restricting non-Covid-19 related services.

Over 200 unhoused residents in the city have also tested positive, indicating an outbreak. It comes amid a bitter cold spell that is wreaking havoc on shelters.

On Tuesday, Quebec reported 8710 additional cases. The statistic indicates a 20% positive rate.

Currently, Quebec hospitals have 2742 Covid-19 patients, including 244 in intensive care.

While Quebec is unusual, it is not the only region in the world that seeks to impose a financial penalty on those who refuse to be injected.

Greeks above 60 will be obliged to pay a €100 ($NZ168) charge for each month they stay unvaccinated beginning later this month.

Singapore requires Covid-19 patients who are not immunized to pay for their medical expenses.