Gaspésie: new outbreak at the CHSLD de Maria

A new COVID-19 outbreak is currently raging at the CHSLD de Maria, in the Gaspé, for the second time since the start of the pandemic.

Fewer than five residents have tested positive for the virus, according to data collected late Saturday.

Epidemiological investigations are underway and all families have been notified, explained the CISSS de la Gaspésie.

The establishment accommodates 91 beneficiaries and nearly 130 employees, most of whom have undergone a screening test. Residents are currently isolated in their rooms.

Two managers were dispatched to the site, in addition to a nurse for infection prevention and control and a nurse from the “SWAT” team.

There is no movement of staff between establishments due to the presence of a dedicated team.

An outbreak for the third time in Maria

This new outbreak is reminiscent of the one that occurred at the same establishment last April in this municipality of 2,500 inhabitants. Seven residents and three employees of the CHSLD de Maria had tested positive for COVID-19. Two patients died from it.

In the same municipality, 28 of the 30 residents of the Manoir du Havre, a private residence, in addition to 20 employees, had also been infected with the virus in the same period. Five residents died from the virus.

Increase in cases in the MRC Avignon

In addition, the regional public health notes, since Saturday morning, an increase in positive cases in the whole of the MRC Avignon, near the Baie des Chaleurs. Nine cases are active in this territory.

This growth can be observed in the community and in certain residences for the elderly.

In all, 13 cases are still active in Gaspésie and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, among the 235 identified since the start of the pandemic. No one is hospitalized in the region for the moment.

The population is therefore invited to be extra vigilant by respecting the basic health measures prescribed by the government authorities.