---Outaouais registers a spike in active cases

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Outaouais since the start of the pandemic reached 6,341 on March 1, marking a rise of 36 cases from the previous day. According to the Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), there were 212 active COVID-19 cases in the region at that time.

With 160 deaths in the region so far – two more than last week - it noted that 5,869 people had recovered from the virus. It added that three people were hospitalized last week, adding that 35 of CISSSO’s employees were actively infected. Over the previous week, CISSSO stated to have administered an average of 490 COVID-19 screening tests per day. Gatineau’s urban core has accounted for the majority of coronavirus cases in the region at this point with 4,680 cumulative cases and 159 active ones. 

The MRC de Papineau has had 774 total cases, with 17 active cases; the MRC de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau has had 430 with 11 active cases; the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais has recorded 372 cases with 19 active ones; and the MRC de Pontiac has seen 75 total cases, with five or less active ones. The origin of 10 cases has yet to be determined.

CISSSO noted that dozens of its health care facilities have been affected by the virus, resulting in more than 30 total outbreaks. Notably, that includes the CHSLD de la Lionel-Émond in Gatineau has recorded 103 total cases, with 18 deaths, 38 active cases, and 47 people recovered, the RPA Chartwell Monastère d’Aylmer has accounted for 23 total cases, two deaths, three active case, and 18 people recovered, and Résidence la Gappe with 84 total cases, 14 deaths, no active cases, and 70 people recovered.

More COVID-19 related information regarding the Outaouais is available on CISSSO’s website - https://cisss-outaouais.gouv.qc.ca/covid-19/. 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.