COVID-19 update

337 cases in Outaouais, 8 deaths

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Outaouais has risen to more than 330, with three deaths over the weekend.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Outaouais has risen to more than 330, with three deaths over the weekend. 

As of May 11, there were eight coronavirus-related deaths in the region since the start of the pandemic, according to the Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO). Out of 337 confirmed cases, 271 were in the Gatineau urban area and 209 people have recovered.

In rural regions, the MRC de Papineau had 37 cases, the MRC des Collines had 14 and both the MRC Pontiac and the MRC de-la-Vallée-de-la-Gatineau had five or less. Of the eight people hospitalized, one required intensive care. Two of CISSSO’s long-term facilities (CHSLD) – Lionel-Émond and La Petite-Nation – have had an outbreak of the virus. Sixty-three healthcare employees have tested positive for the virus. The origin of nine cases has yet to be determined.

Quebec Premier François Legault said during a May 11 press conference that, except in the Montreal Metropolitan area, the situation was under control. While certain services have reopened over the last week, including elementary schools, day care services and some retail stores, high schools will be closed until the fall.

As the government has started the gradual removal of interprovincial police checkpoints, a plan to reopen travel between Gatineau and Ottawa should be announced in the coming weeks. People with COVID-19 symptoms are asked to call the Quebec Services designated phone line – 1-877-644-4545 or 1-819-644-4545 – to set up an appointment for a screening test.