Back in Montreal to hold his daily press briefing, Quebec Premier François Legault reports on the most recent assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province with the National Director of Public Health, Horacio Arruda, Christopher Skeete, Member of Parliament for Sainte-Rose and Parliamentary Assistant, and Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval.
As of today there are 3,800 deaths in Quebec that is 82 more than yesterday. Several of these deaths have already taken place a few days ago. There are 45, 495 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that is an increase of 720 from yesterday. 1,504 people are in the hospital, including 176 whom are in intensive care.
The situation has worsened in Laval, which has now surpassed Montreal in number of infected cases. The death rate in CHSLD also worries the authorities. At least 1 in 7 CHSLD residents died of COVID-19 in Laval, compared to 1 in 9 in Montreal.
"The crisis is not over. It’s still difficult. There are still a lot of adjustments to be made. Not everything is perfect. I see some who criticize. I ask you to be forgiving. I ask all Quebecers to understand that we are not in a normal situation. To work as a team and try to work on solutions instead of working on problems. And if we work as a team, we will win the game against this virus. I count on all Quebecers.
François Legault also announces that they obtained the green light from public health that the day camps will open their doors on June 22nd. The groups will however be smaller than usual and rules will have to be adopted to ensure social distancing at all times, said the Premier of Quebec. The Standards, Equity, Health and Safety Commission (CNESST) will publish a guide to guide the resumption of activities in day camps.
Although Legault did state that "We have a big challenge from monitors," Legault did call on all young people to come and work in day camps "rather than receiving the PKU", the Canadian emergency benefit from the federal government.
A maximum of 10 children will be under the responsibility of an instructor, but for groups made up of toddlers, the ratio will be even smaller.
Thus, there will be a monitor for 4 children aged 3 to 4 years, a monitor for 5 children aged 5 to 6 years, a monitor for 7 children for those aged 7 to 8 years.
For 9 to 11 year olds, 12 to 14 year olds and 15 to 17 year olds, the ratio established is for one instructor per group of 10.
Asked about a possible reopening of public pools as well, Legault said an announcement about that would be made in the coming days.