-
Two probable cases of coronavirus under investigation in the Gaspé
Translation of press release received from CISSS de la Gaspésie
Gaspé, Saturday March 21, 2020 – The Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Public Health Department wishes to inform the population that two people, probably infected with COVID-19, have been identified in the region, more specifically in the Gaspé Peninsula.
These people are not related and are returning from a stay abroad. They were placed in isolation at home for a period of 14 days. Epidemiological investigations are underway. People who have been in close contact with these people have been identified and instructions have been issued.
The Gaspé Peninsula Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) is making every effort to protect the population and also to support its personnel who strive to provide quality and safe care on a daily basis. Public Health wishes to remind everyone that every little action, each of us makes -matters, and that the measures recommended by the Government of Quebec must be followed.
The following measures should apply to the entire population:
– Practice basic hygiene measures, consisting of covering your mouth and nose with the fold of your elbow when coughing and sneezing or with a tissue and quickly throwing the tissue in the trash;
– Washing your hands frequently with soap and lukewarm water for 20 seconds is still an important measure to protect against most infections.
Finally, remember that people who experience symptoms or concerns about their health should contact 1 877 644-4545.
-
Gaspé hospitals say they are ready
GASPÉ – The CISSS de la Gaspésie is taking the necessary measures in preparation for patients with coronavirus. Sixty-four additional beds are ready in hospitals in the Gaspé to cope with covid-19. Currently there are 25 beds available in Maria, 16 in Gaspé, and 13 in Chandler while in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts there are 10.
All elective surgeries, that is non-emergency surgeries, have been cancelled until further notice, and breast cancer clinics have suffered the same fate. No appointments will be made.
“There is work being done with all the staff to assess the patients currently hospitalized. Can we do anything but keep them in hospital, in particular to protect them and at the same time allow people with covid-19 to be hospitalized?” says assistant director Johanne Méthot. Homecare, front-line and telephone services are being strengthened.
Four screening clinics were active in hospitals and they were removed from the hospitals. “We have trailers outside. People will no longer be screened in our premises,” said Ms. Méthot.
The time delays for receiving the results of these tests will also be reduced. Currently, the average is four days, but Quebec has opened clinics across the province. The samples from the Gaspé will be processed in Rimouski to speed up the processing.
Necessary material
Health authorities assure that all the equipment necessary to deal with the crisis will be made available. For example, the network has 42 respirators: 11 are available in Maria and Chandler and 10 are in Gaspé and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Orders have been placed to increase the number. The CISSS estimates that up to 15% of all people who will be affected by the disease will need to be hospitalized. Extreme cases could be treated in Quebec or Montreal.
Those who are not in the hospital will be followed closely. “They will be at home with the treatment they need to recover properly,” says Dr. Bonnier Viger, Director of Public Health.
Back in service
In addition, 12 retired nurses have returned to service and 16 other people have indicated their interest in returning. “There is really great solidarity. People who are retired are calling us. We even received names of teachers since the schools are stopped to give their availability,” says the President and CEO, Chantal Duguay. While people returning from trips and seniors are not respecting all of Quebec’s instructions, Dr. Bonnier Viger reminds people to take the disease seriously. “It is only on this condition that we will succeed in winning this battle. Most people understand this well. The prevention messages must be repeated. “