May 6
By Avleen K Mokha
Key updates from today’s press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency by Quebec health officials:
Quebec has 910 new cases and 112 new deaths since yesterday.
Today, Quebec Deputy Premier Genevieve Guilbault announced a COVID-19 action plan for mental health, valued at $31 million.
This money will go towards improving the 811 mental health line, hiring workers for psychosocial services from the private sectors, and providing services for families going through grief during the COVID-19 emergency.
Daycares outside Greater Montreal open next week at 30% of their usual capacity. Daycare workers are required to wear masks and take protective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Age as a risk factor increased from 60 to 70 years. This means teachers 69 or under can go back to work if they are otherwise healthy.
Patients in hospitals from Montreal island are being moved to off-island locations to reduce pressure on the healthcare system. So far, patients have been moved to Trois-Rivieres, South Shore, and North Shore.
Family caregivers can visit senior members in long term care. If an organization refuses visitation, the ministry for seniors says it will intervene.
Family caregivers will have to get tested if they visit “cold zones”, which are areas of residences where no one has COVID-19. Family caregivers don’t need to get tested if they are visiting seniors that have tested positive for COVID-19.
Detainees in provincial jails will be granted under medical leave, given they have under 30 days left to serve and have committed to low-risk (non-violent) crimes. To date, 34 inmates in Montreal’s jail system have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Avleen K Mokha Local Journalism Initiative Reporter For Parc-Extension News avleen@newsfirst.ca
