By: Avleen K Mokha.
Key updates from today’s press briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency:
The province has 121 new deaths due to COVID-19 and 911 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Opening of elementary schools, daycares, and businesses in Greater Montreal is delayed by a week to May 25. This is the second time re-opening of retail stores in the Montreal region has been pushed back.
Greater Montreal has 1000 beds, but there are not enough staff members to go along with the beds if hospitalizations increase due to COVID-19.
The public health network has a shortage of 11,600 employees. In the whole network, right now 50% of employees work part time.
To incentivize workers to work full time, Quebec Premier Francois Legault has announced a premium plan for healthcare workers. The premium allows workers to get up to $1,000 per month. This bonus applies to workers in “hot zones” like long term care facilities, senior residences and hospitals where at least one person has tested positive for COVID-19.
Avleen K Mokha Local Journalism Initiative Reporter For Parc-Extension News avleen@newsfirst.ca
