---Yellow-zone for Outaouais COVID-19 contamination: 1 ICU case, outbreak at Residence McConnell

The number of COVID-19 cases in the Outaouais reached 998 on September 14, marking a rise of more than 80 since September 6. Noting that outbreaks have taken place at seven of the Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais’ (CISSSO) health care facilities so far, one is currently active at Aylmer’s Residence McConnell – an institution for people with intellectual deficiencies, autism and behavioural issues.

CISSSO’s public relations agent Patricia Rhéaume told the Aylmer Bulletin that seven staff members and nine residents have been affected by the outbreak and are all in self isolation. Noting that all affected people are coping well, she stated that increased and sustained surveillance is being carried out at the facility.

CISSSO has yet to reveal Aylmer-specific COVID-19 statistics.

With 865 residents having recovered from the virus so far, the Centre intégré de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) noted that 34 people have died. Over the previous seven days, CISSSO administered an average of 483 COVID-19 tests – its highest rate so far. It added that 99 cases remain active in the community – 16 more than on September 13. Of three people hospitalized last week, one requited intensive care.

With 861 cases reported in Gatineau’s urban core, the region’s rural areas have accounted for more than 130 cases. On September 9, The Quebec Government unveiled a four-level COVID-19 alert system, aimed to make it easier to monitor statistics and track where the virus is going and how much it’s being transmitted. Ranging from level-one vigilance (green) to level-four maximum alert (red), the Outaouais is currently at level-two early warning mode (yellow) along with three other regions.  Level two is for regions where the propagation of the virus has grown, calling to strengthen safety measures and enforce people to follow the rules – meaning added police presence in large crowds and in venues.

In a press conference on the same day, interim director of CISSSO’s public health department Brigitte Pinard stressed the importance of the population adhering to safety protocol to prevent the situation from getting worse - for example schools shutting down again – especially in social settings. “We must really multiply our efforts to prevent the transmission of the virus in [the community],” Pinard said.

Wearing masks in enclosed public spaces is still mandatory. Those wanting to get tested for COVID-19 can do so by calling 1-877-644-4545 or 1-819-644-4545 to set up an appointment.