For the second day in a row, a new record was set for the largest single-day jump in reported cases, with 732 new positive results – a 21% increase over Monday’s number. The total number of COVID-19 cases across the province has now reached 4,162, with 341 positive results recorded in the Montérégie.
This afternoon, the Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie (the regional public Health authority) released information relating to the number of cases in each local service network as of 9 pm last night. There are 16 positive cases in the Haut-Saint-Laurent and Suroît network, which includes the Barrie Memorial Hospital in Ormstown, the Hôpital du Suroît in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, as well as the health service providers including CLSCs, CHSLDs and clinics within this general region. This is the lowest number of cases reported in the Montérégie. There are 61 positive cases in the Jardins-Roussillon local service network, which includes the Hôpital Anna Laberge in Chateauguay, as well as the CLSC, CHSLD and clinics within the same region, which includes Hemmingford.
A total of 31 deaths in the province are now being attributed to the virus. A slightly more positive result comes in terms of the number of those hospitalized (286), with 82 patients being treated in intensive care units, an increase of only 5 from yesterday. The total number of cases across the country is approximately 8,430.
Shortage of medical supplies looming
Premier François Legault warned during his daily address that Québec is within three to seven days of running out of critical medical supplies necessary for health care workers to continue their work in the fight against the coronavirus.
Health Minister Danielle McCann suggested the province has gone through a year’s supply of protective medical equipment in just four weeks, approximately ten times the usual rate of consumption. The government is doing all it can to secure the delivery of much-needed supplies, including gloves and masks. This means working with other provinces and the federal government to source this equipment, which is in high demand across the globe.
“Our biggest concern right now is for medical supplies,” said Legault, who called on those working in the health care system to only use such supplies as necessary. The government also confirmed that the N-95 face masks are now being sterilized and reused.
The Canadian government has allocated $2 billion for protective personal equipment and has signed contracts with three local companies to produce medical supplies. The federal government is also fast-tracking Quebec’s supply of medical equipment given the urgent need. Prime Minister Trudeau confirmed during his daily address that close to 1,570 ventilators and more than a million COVID-19 test kits had also been ordered.
Call someone who is alone today
During his address, François Legault also implored the Quebec public to call one person today that is alone or isolated. “A phone call can make a big difference,” he said.
