One active case of COVID-19 left in Quebec's long-term care facilities
Though they were hit hard during the first wave of the pandemic, there is now just one active case of COVID-19 in Quebec's long-term care homes.
At the height of the pandemic, in the spring of 2020, Quebec's health ministry was monitoring dozens of outbreaks at CHSLDs across the province.
Many of them were deemed "in critical condition," meaning that more than 25 per cent of residents were infected.
As of June 13, CHSLD Aimé-Leduc in Montérégie is the only facility that remains on the ministry's watchlist, with one active case reported.
The vaccine against COVID-19 is a factor in stopping more outbreaks, according to the Institut national de Santé publique du Québec (INSPQ): 95 per cent of residents have received their first dose and 84 per cent have received their second.
"These are very high rates. We're very happy," said Dr. Jasmin Villeneuve, medical advisor to the INSPQ responsible for coordinating scientific activities for the prevention and control of infections in care settings.
The situation in private seniors' residences (RPAs) has also improved considerably, although in mid-June there were slightly more cases than in CHSLDs, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
The Bonséjour residence in Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, is still flagged red on the government's list: 44 per cent of its residents have COVID-19.
However, the facility is small, which means there are four active cases. Ten other RPAs are currently "under surveillance," but most have only one infected person.
Vaccination rates in RPAs are even higher than in CHSLDs: 95 per cent of residents have received their first dose and 87 per cent have received both.
Villeneuve explains several hypotheses behind the notable decrease in the number of active cases.
First, the vaccination of residents and caregivers in these settings is "a major element," he says, "that has made a big difference since the winter."
He states, "we now have a better understanding of the disease" and how it spreads.
"The knowledge that we have acquired helps a lot to protect ourselves," Villeneuve said.
The decrease in the number of cases in the general population has also impacted residents in CHSLDs and RPAs.
The small number of active cases in CHSLDs, "is very encouraging," he states, and the challenge now will be to see if this continues.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 15, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.