LOCAL NEWS - March 31, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE
A press briefing was held this morning by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing was led by Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, in attendance by zoom.
Dr. Richard Fachehoun began by reminding the population that the region is at the yellow alert level, and that the 3rd wave poses a threat.
Since March 26th, our region has been at the yellow alert level, thanks to the commitment of people on the North Shore to following the measures in place. Dr. Facheoun reminds that your contribution is essential to keeping the yellow alert level for as long as possible.
"I am worried for our region when I see the increased number of cases in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Capitale-Nationale and Saguenay. Also, the proportion of cases related to variants keeps increasing, and variants will be predominant in Québec within two weeks. They are more contagious and more virulent than the basic strain. Based on modelling, only strong adherence to basic measures (physical distancing, use of the mask and handwashing) and screening coupled with intensive tracking and isolation of cases would allow us to avoid a 3rd wave that would be more important with more hospitalizations in people under 65 years of age," said Dr. Facheoun.
In order to limit the spread of the variant, a new isolation directive was emitted for people living with a close contact of a case. Therefore, if someone who was in close contact with a case is self-isolating, people in the same household must remain in isolation until the contact receives a first negative test result.
During the press briefing, Dr. Facheoun also gave suggestions for safe private gatherings with people
from two households:
Limit the number of households you visit (one household in 5 to 7 days)
Spend more time outside
If possible, wear a mask inside
Stay home and do not receive visitors if any of the following pertains to you:
If you have symptoms
If you or a member of your household is waiting for a test result
If you are in isolation as a case or a contact of a case of COVID-19
Respect the seven days isolation following a stay of more than 24 hours in an orange or red region
Dr. Facheoun also took the time to remind everyone that travel outside of the region should be for essential purposes only. If you travel, arrange for tesing on day 1 and day 7, as well as mandatory self isolation for 7 days until you receive a negative test result after day 7. With the upcoming Easter holiday approaching, everyone must also remember that private gatherings should be from two households only. For everyone's safety, please follow the guidelines, concluded Dr. Facheoun.
Abbygail Wellman
CFBS Journalist