Covid-19 update

Two cases of the Omicron variant in the Outaouais

Sophie Demers

 

Over the weekend, Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) reports 115 new cases in the Outaouais. This brings the total number of Covid-19 cases in the Outaouais since the start of the pandemic to 14,942 cases as of December 13. According to CISSSO, there are currently 241 active cases in the region. There have been 223 covid-19 deaths in the Outaouais, and CISSSO states that 14,478 people had recovered from the virus. There are currently four people in the hospital with Covid-19, two of these individuals are in intensive care. CISSSO notes that one of their employees has Covid-19.
CISSSO indicates that Gatineau has the majority of Covid-19 cases with 11,276 cumulative cases and 164 active cases. The MRC de Papineau has had 1,620 total cases and 20 active cases; The MRC de Pontiac has has a total of 463 cases and currently has 6 active cases; the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais has had 936 cases and has 30 active cases; and the MRC de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau has had 627 total cases and currently has 21 active cases. The origin of 20 cases are yet to be determined.
Last week CISSSO announced that there are two cases of the omicron variant in the Outaouais. The cases are related to travel and individuals are quarantined.
-Provincial safety regulations
Vaccine passports are required for individuals 13 and up to access various non-essential services such as restaurants, bars, and special events such as concerts and other gatherings. Masks are still required in indoor settings such as stores.
-Vaccination and Testing
CISSSO recently changed the vaccination recommendation, now allowing children aged 5 and up to get vaccinated. Individuals hoping to get their first or second vaccination can do so at six walk-in clinics in the region for their first and second dose. Walk in vaccination is available for children 5 to 11 at the Palais des Congrès on Saturdays from 8:30am to 2pm.
The 3rd dose of the vaccine is available for people 70 and older, individuals with a chronic health condition or disease. Those who are immunocompromised and on dialysis and individuals with two AstraZeneca vaccines and pregnant women can also book appointments for their 3rd dose. People 60 to 69 years of age will be able to book appointments beginning in January 2022. CISSSO recommends an interval of 4 weeks or more after the 2nd dose. CISSSO reminds residents to respect an interval of 6 months or more after the 2nd dose.
There are two testing clinics available in the region for testing without appointments, one in Gatineau and one in Buckingham.