Covid-19 update

1,645 active Covid-19 cases in Outaouais, fourth Dose recommended for immunocompromised

Sophie Demers

 

As of January 24, Centre Intégré de la Santé et des Services Sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) reports that there are 455 new Covid-19 cases in the Outaouais over the weekend, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in the Outaouais to 32,309 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. There are currently 1,645 active cases in the region. There have been 252 Covid-19 deaths in the Outaouais recorded to date. CISSSO notes that 30,412 people have recovered from the virus. There are currently 82 individuals in the hospital with Covid-19, seven of whom are in intensive care. CISSSO reports that 203 of their employees have Covid-19.
The majority of Covid-19 cases are in Gatineau with 23,238 cumulative cases and 981 active cases. The MRC de Papineau has had 4,158 total cases and currently has 250 active cases; the MRC de Pontiac has has a total of 979 cases and currently has 102 active cases; the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais has had a total of  2,493 cases and has 118 active cases; and, the MRC de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau has had 1,275 total cases and currently has 157 active cases. The origin of 37 cases are yet to be determined.
–Provincial safety regulations updated
Legault says that as of January 24, vaccine passports are required to shop at big-box stores of 1,500 square metres or more, except for grocery stores and pharmacies, as they are essential services. Tele-work is mandatory for all workplace activities that can be done from home. Vaccine Passports are required to access SAQ and SQDC stores throughout Quebec.
Officials say fake vaccine passports will be revoked and those making them may face criminal charges.
–Vaccination and Testing
A booster dose (fourth dose) is now recommended for those who are immunocompromised or on dialysis for anyone 18 years of age or older. CISSSO asks that individuals wait to get their third dose until three months after their last dose.
Federal and provincial governments continue to encourage those who have not been vaccinated to do so and for those who are vaccinated to book their third dose as soon as possible. Individuals hoping to get their first or second vaccination can do so at six walk-in clinics in the region.
Appointments for the booster vaccination opened to individuals 18 and older on January 17. CISSSO reminds residents to respect an interval of six months or more after the 2nd dose.
Residents can book their vaccine appointments by visiting https://portal3.clicsante.ca/ or by calling 1-877-644-4545
There are two clinics available in the region for testing without appointments, one in Gatineau and one in Buckingham. Rapid antigen screening tests are available to individuals at pharmacies, depending on the stock at each location.