COVID-19 update

Outaouais has had 18 deaths since March

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Outaouais has reached 537, with 18 people having died from the virus so far. According to the Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), 322 people had recovered from the virus as of June 1, noting that there were 197 active cases in the region. With most cases originating in Gatineau’s urban core, its rural areas have accounted for less than 100 collectively.

The MRC de Papineau has seen 50 cases, the MRC des-Collines-de-l’Outaouais has had 21 and both the MRC de Pontiac and the MRC de-la-Vallée-de-la-Gatineau have both had five cases or fewer.

With 14 people hospitalized at the time, it stated the two required intensive care. With outbreaks having taken place in four of CISSSO’s long-term care facilities (CHSLD), it noted that three – Champlain Gatineau (seven cases), Lionel-Émond (56 cases, eight deaths), Residence La Gappe Phase 2 (26 cases, three deaths) - were still undergoing outbreaks and that 92 health care employees have been infected.

On May 28, CISSSO announced the first coronavirus-related death of one of their employees from the CHSLD Lionel-Émond. During a press conference on June 1, Quebec Premier François Legault stressed the importance of continuing to follow all necessary precautions like wearing masks and maintain social distancing to avoid a second wave of the virus hitting the province this summer. “Think about the health care workers who need a break,” Legault said.

Despite the reopening of most interregional police checkpoints, people are still asked to limit their movements from one part of the province to another. 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.