Quebec better prepared for second wave

If there is a second wave of COVID-19, Quebec will be better prepared to cope because of lessons learned in the first, Premier François Legault says.

In his first encounter with the media after returning from vacation, Legault said he is encouraged that the number of new COVID-19 cases is dropping even though Quebecers are travelling more and many pandemic restrictions have been eased.

He confirmed his government still plans to proceed with some form of inquest into the pandemic, which has killed 5,697 people since March — the exact inquest format has not been decided — but said Quebec has learned some valuable lessons already.

Legault said not only will Quebec have more workers ready this fall to correctly staff public seniors’ residences (CHSLDs), where two-thirds of COVID deaths occurred, those workers will understand the need to wear protective gear so as to not infect residents.

“If we have a second wave, we will be a lot better prepared,” Legault said at a news conference in Mascouche following a visit to one of the centres where the new army of CHSLD workers are being trained.

“First, we will have 10,000 more people working in our CHSLDs. Second, we have already made sure they will wear a mask when they meet with patients.

“That was a key. The 5,000 deaths that we had in the CHSLDs were caused for the most part by what happened in the first weeks (of March) when these people were infected by employees not wearing masks.

“So, I think we will be more ready for that (second wave). I think we shouldn’t see something as bad as what we saw in March, April and May.”

Legault also had a warning for people involved in recent protests against new rules making masks mandatory on transit and in indoor public places like stores.

“There are still some people who believe Elvis (Presley) is still alive and that the Earth is not round,” Legault said. “I can tell you that with 5,000 deaths, yes, the virus is very violent, and it can kill you. I am asking them to believe me. It’s not a joke.”

As recently as Tuesday, Quebec reported 91 new COVID-19 cases, the smallest increase in a month. A total of 60,718 cases have now been confirmed in the province.

Quebec also reported one more death, bringing the total to 5,697.

Montreal alone now has experienced 29,245 cases and 3,461 deaths.

Earlier, at a separate news conference, Legault moved to ease the fears of parents and teachers as the province braces for the back-to-school season.

Despite criticism, Legault said Quebec will be prepared and will soon announce a plan to help students catch up after being away from their teachers for so long.

“We know there are about 20 to 25 per cent of students who have learning difficulties,” Legault said. “So, we are going to have to concentrate on these children who missed a certain number of weeks in school so they can catch up.

“We are working very hard on this and should be able to announce things in the coming days on a case-by-case basis. We will be ready, we are already advanced (in preparations).”

Legault said overall he sees many positives in Quebec’s efforts to deconfine in the last few weeks.