Financial aid to help the health staff
Financial aid to help the health staff
The Quebec government announced Thursday a salary bonus and protective measures for healthcare workers who are in direct contact with patients suffering from COVID-19, including Préposés aux bénificières in private homes for the elderly.
This measure, which will total $ 287 million, will offer an 8% premium to approximately 69,000 workers, including nursing and cardiopulmonary care workers, attendants and social workers working in emergencies, intensive care, in screening clinics and in residential and long-term care centers (CHSLD).
In addition, a recognition bonus of 4% will be offered to the health and social services network personnel, that is to say approximately 200,000 people who are not targeted by the 8% bonus. This involves, for example, laboratory and specialized technicians, housekeepers and staff who answer calls on the 811 line.
These premiums will be retroactive as of March 13th and renewed according to the evolution of the situation.
The government also confirmed that it will compensate attendants to the beneficiaries of private accommodation to ensure that they receive an adequate salary higher than one of the emergency income replacement measures provided by the federal government. This compensation will take the form of a premium of $ 4 per hour and will be retroactive as of March 13, 2020. This measure will apply for the same duration as the Canadian Emergency Benefit announced by the federal government, namely 16 weeks. It will be renewable, if necessary.
Stable equipment
François Legault reiterated Thursday that the health and social services network is ready to face COVID-19 within the provincial hospitals. According to Premier Legault, the network has enough respirators to get through the most pessimistic scenarios and continues to receive orders for masks, gloves and gowns. “All establishments in Quebec have enough equipment for the next week,” said Mr. Legault. We’re working hard on the controls, even if it’s playing hard abroad. There are also Quebec companies that are preparing to take over.”
On Thursday, 5,518 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were announced in Quebec, including 75 in Outaouais. There are currently 4,871 people tested and whose results are pending. Also, 69,024 people were tested and received a negative result. To date, 365 people are hospitalized, 96 in intensive care. The death toll stands at 36 in Quebec.
To learn more about the coronavirus, the public is invited to consult the Québec.ca / coronavirus website.
Information is available by calling: 1-819 644-4545 or 1 877 644-4545 (toll free).
