It is “likely” that people infected with COVID-19 have moved around the Outaouais

It is “likely” that people infected with COVID-19 have moved around the Outaouais

Without confirming that a particular case of COVID-19 has circulated in the Pontiac over the past few days, the Centre intégré de santé et de service sociaux (CISSS) de l’Outaouais stated that it is “likely” that infected people would have circulated in the different sectors of the region.

The infectious disease consultant to the Outaouais Public Health Department, Dr. Carol McConnery:

The CISSS de l’Outaouais confirmed Tuesday that 12 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the region, all “in urban areas”. However, Dr. McConnery believes that spread between the different sectors of the Outaouais is inevitable due to community transmission. She also reminded citizens to show empathy towards those who are diagnosed.

Regarding the interventions that the Outaouais public health department can make in the circulation of the novel coronavirus, these only apply in situations that represent a danger to the health of the population. Carol McConnery says the region has yet to deal with such cases.

[(An update by MRC?
The MNA for Pontiac André Fortin said in a Facebook post Tuesday that the CISSS will now confirm the number of COVID-19 cases by MRCs.
)]

The health network reminded the importance that citizens respect and apply the measures introduced by the Government of Quebec to limit the spread of COVID-19 within the region. To date, the CISSS de l’Outaouais says it has performed 1,480 screening tests, of which 586 are awaiting results. For each of the confirmed cases in the region, the public health department plans to establish contact with each person.

To learn more about the novel coronavirus, the public is invited to consult: quebec.ca/coronavirus.

People with concerns related to COVID-19 can contact Services Québec at the following information line: 819-644-4545.