In the press briefing of April 21, 2020, the Prime Minister of Quebec, Mr. François Legault, made a point of explaining the distribution and the situation in the 2,600 residences for seniors in Quebec. Despite the presence of coronavirus disease in some seniors' residences, the last few days have also given way to encouraging news, here is an overview.
2,300 residences without COVID-19
As François Legault reported, on April 21, there are 2,300 of the 2,600 residences where there is no case of COVID-19. Mr. Legault explains, however, that by residences, he designates all of the living environments for seniors, namely public, private CHSLDs , RPA (private residences for seniors) and intermediate resources. As for the residences which, according to him, require more surveillance, there are "80 out of 2,600, in total, where the situation is more difficult".
To find out the residences for seniors in which cases of COVID-19 are confirmed, refer to the MSSS list:
→ Access all of the residences with cases of COVID-19.
* Please note that this list may be subject to change, as the data is updated by the MSSS.
1000 health professionals answered the call
Good news ! The Prime Minister François Legault also announced in his press briefing on April 21, 2020 that 1,000 positions in residences have been filled by health professionals , including doctors and nurses, the majority at full-time.
In addition, in a press briefing on April 22, Mr. Legault announced that "1,000 soldiers from the Canadian army will come to our CHSLDs". Remember that they will be assigned tasks that do not require knowledge in the administration of care, but that they will rather take care of household tasks, cooking, etc. "I think it will help us a lot, there, to have additional pairs of arms to do tasks that are less medical and then help the staff, who are currently insufficient in CHSLDs," said Mr. Legault.
Situation under control in private seniors' residence
The president of the RQRA, Yves Desjardins, speak out on the situation in private seniors' residences. In an interview with La Presse , he said he was sorry for the confusion that is being made in the current crisis between the different types of establishments, whereas, in the vast majority of his association's private residences, the situation is under control.
An open letter from the RQRA was also published on Friday and highlights the effectiveness of private residences during this period. The letter states , while being sorry for the victims, that of the 143,000 seniors who live in private homes, only 500 had contracted the disease . Private sector residences affected by the pandemic would be only around 67 out of a total of 1746 . "I hear you and give you reason: one case is already too many. But 500 cases out of 143,000 potential victims, this is practically a miracle under the current conditions ”affirms Mr. Yves Desjardins.
What actions have been taken by the private sector during the pandemic?
Do you want to know more about the measures that have been taken by the private sector since th beginning of the pandemic? See our article on Procedures of private residences to manage coronavirus and Unprecedented efforts in seniors homes .
