Covid-19 update

--- New record for Outaouais: 109 new cases in one day, eight deaths last week

Marking a rise of 109 cases in a day, the number of Covid-19 cases in the Outaouais since the start of the pandemic reached 10,390 on April 19. According to the Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), there were 1,056 active Covid-19 cases in the region at that time. With 185 deaths in the region so far – eight more than last week – it was noted that 9,149 people had recovered from the virus.

Last week, 55 people were hospitalized with seven requiring intensive care. Fifty-four of CISSSO employees were actively infected. Over the previous week, CISSSO stated to have administered an average of 807 Covid-19 screening tests per day. CISSSO said that Gatineau’s urban core has accounted for the majority of coronavirus cases in the region at this point, with 7,790 cumulative cases and 725 active ones. 

The MRC de Papineau has had 1,134 total cases, with 130 active cases; the MRC de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau has had 544 with 47 active cases; the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais has recorded 648 cases with 78 active ones; and, the MRC de Pontiac has seen 220 total cases, with 60 active ones. The origin of 54 cases had yet to be determined.

---Provincial borders closed

Five bridge crossings and two ferry crossings are now closed to non-essential travel. The Quebec government’s Covid-19 emergency safety measures – such as the 8 pm to 5 am curfew - will remain in place in the region until at least April 25. Ontario announced the border closure is in place until May 20, unless marked decreases in new infections happen.

Police will be issuing fines ranging between $1,000 and $6,000 to people who break the rules. People aged 14 and under are subject to $500 fines. Details about the special emergency regulations are available on the provincial government’s website. People wanting to get tested for Covid-19 are encouraged to consult CISSSO’s online self-assessment tool before calling 1-877-644-4545 to set up an appointment within 24 hours.