COVID-19 and nine additional deaths due to the pandemic on the eve of a ramp-up in the province’s mass vaccination plan.Four of the deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, while the rest took place earlier.Hospitalizations rose by two to 601, while intensive care numbers rose by five to 117.[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]Health Minister Christian Dubé noted that the situation in the province has been stable for the last week, but is asking Quebecers not to let their guard down.The province will kick off its mass vaccination program in earnest tomorrow, with several large clinics in the Montreal area opening their doors to residents age 80 and older who have booked appointments through the province’s.