The Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands Public Health Board reported one new case of COVID-19 on September 19. That case is located in the MRC of Avignon. On September 20, seven additional cases were announced. Six of those cases are located in the Avignon MRC and one is located in the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC. Tracing is underway for all the cases.
Chez Stanley
In regards to the outbreak at Chez Stanley, a private seniors’ residence in St-Omer, Public Health says that less than five staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. All employees and residents have been tested.
When there are fewer than five cases, the exact number is not released because of privacy concerns.
There is currently an outbreak at the CHSLD in Maria
According to Public Health, so far, less than five (5) residents of the Maria CHSLD (government owed long-term care facility) have tested positive for COVID-19. Epidemiological investigations are underway and all families have been notified. All residents are currently isolated in their rooms.
That CHSLD houses 91 residents and nearly 130 employees work there. All residents and the vast majority of employees have been screened.
Two administrators, an infection prevention and control (PCI) nurse, and a SWAT team nurse have been dispatched to the scene. Staff mobility is not permitted. Dedicated teams are on site and all employees must wear personal protective equipment.
The Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands Integrated Health and Social Services Centre is currently deploying all its efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in the residence.
Precautions for the public
The Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands Public Health has noticed a strong increase in COVID-19 cases in the MRC of Avignon since yesterday morning. This growth can be seen in the community and in homes for the elderly.
The population is invited to be extra careful and to respect the basic sanitary measures:
- If symptoms of COVID-19 appear, stay home. Visit the site https://covid19.quebec.ca/surveys/cdd2/introduction to find out if a COVID-19 test is necessary;
- Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially if objects have been touched or shared by others;
- Keep at all times a distance of 2 metres from anyone who does not live at the same address;
- Wear a mask at all times in public places.
Complete portrait
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands is now 235. Presently, 213 individuals have recovered (90.6%). There are 13 active cases in the region (5.5%). Currently, there are not any COVID-19-related hospitalizations from the region. Regionally, fifty-nine health care workers (stable) have contracted the virus, 23 (stable) are CISSS employees.
Regional: MRC of Residence of the Cases
| MRC / living environment | Confirmed cases | Rate per 100,000 | Active Cases |
| Avignon (+6) – Community – Manoir du havre – Residence Saint Joseph | 100 61 28 11 | 679 404.2 NA NA | 9 n.d. 0 n.d. |
| Bonaventure | 58 | 332 | <5 |
| Rocher-Percé | 35 | 206 | 0 |
| Côte-de-Gaspé (+1) | 21 | 120 | <5 |
| Haute-Gaspésie | 10 | 91.4 | 0 |
| Magdalen Islands | 11 | 88.4 | 0 |
| Gaspé Peninsula Magdalen Islands | 235 | 260.9 | 13 (5.5%) |
Source: Gaspé Peninsula Public Health Board.
Evolution of new cases regionally
The totals for the province are as follows:
| Cases | Deaths | Hospitalizations | ICU |
| 67,542 (+462) | 5,802 (*+5) | 138 (+7) | 31 (stable) |