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COVID-19: the CISSS des Laurentides takes stock

By Simon Cordeau (local journalism initiative)

As of December 11, the MRC of La Rivière-du-Nord had 1,815 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 114 active cases. The Pays-d’en-Haut MRC had 508 cases, 67 of which were active. Due to the rapid progression of cases for a week, the Legault government announced Friday that the MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut would fall into the red zone on Monday, December 14.

The Laurentian Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) held a conference call on Friday to take stock of the COVID situation in the region.

The Pays d’en Haut in the red zone

Dr Eric Goyer, public health director of the Laurentians, explained that, in the last 7 days, 35 new cases have been confirmed in the MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut, against 17 cases during the previous 7-day period. 87 outbreaks are underway in the MRC, 22 of which appeared in the last 7 days. Of these, 15 outbreaks are in elementary schools, 24 in high schools and 28 in workplaces.

Dr Goyer recalled that the MRC is small and has less than 45,000 inhabitants. So even though the numbers may seem small, they represent a significant increase in cases. He also pointed out that 30% of the population are people aged 65 and over, who are more vulnerable to COVID. He therefore hopes that the change of level to red will reduce social contact and slow down the transmission of the virus.

Vaccination

Rosemonde Landry, President and CEO of the CISSS des Laurentides, announced that preparations for the COVID vaccination campaign were well underway. “The vaccination campaign is the organization’s priority now and for the next few months,” she said.

Caroline Chantal will be the director responsible for the vaccination file, and will be assisted in its management by Dr Daniel Auger. They will be supported by a committee of experts. The CISSS des Laurentides is already in action, and has prepared several possible scenarios, depending on the quantity of doses received and when they will be available.

Hospitals and residences

Of the 804 living environments in the Laurentians, such as CHSLDs, 5 are emerging, affecting 15 users and 16 employees, said Sylvain Pomerleau, deputy director general of the general and specialized physical health program, teaching and research. .

There are 2 active outbreaks left at the Saint-Jérôme hospital, including one that should end during the weekend.

In response to a Radio-Canada article by Davide Gentile on the proliferation of cases at Saint-Jérôme hospital, Mr. Pomerleau detailed a list of concrete measures put in place to limit the transmission of the virus, such as the release of ” spaces, repair of equipment, disinfection of stretchers and units, additional training for staff, and audits on personal protective equipment, hand washing, disinfection of spaces, etc.

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