Return to normal as much as possible

"Returning to normal as much as possible" has been the goal set for the past few days by the commander of 3 Wing and CFB Bagotville, Colonel Normand Gagné. "When the COVID-19 crisis started, we reacted quickly and strongly to protect ourselves and that was the right thing to do. Now we have to find a way to live with this virus as normally as possible, ”added the colonel.

The captain is aware that this is a major turn. “We rotate 180 degrees. A few months ago, we sent all the staff home, except for essential workers. Today we say the opposite, everyone goes back to work, except those who have major reasons not to return, "he explains.

In order to achieve this, the commander, in collaboration with the commander of 2 Wing, asked all unit commanders to put in place the measures necessary to protect their members for a return to work. of most of the staff.

Building on what has been done for some time in different public places, several measures have been taken or will be applied soon to get there. The adaptations range from schedules adapted to security installations such as plexiglass panels or tomorrow's washing stations, including the refitting of certain workspaces.

"The guideline is to stay constantly on the lookout. To pretend that every day a member comes to work with the virus without anyone knowing who it is, "said Colonel Gagné.

For him, we must keep the simple message: "respect physical distance, wear a mask when it is impossible and above all wash your hands regularly. "

The commander believes that patience will be required. "For the moment, I tell everyone that these rules will have to be respected at least until Christmas. Then we'll see, but I wouldn't be surprised if we have it until next summer, unless a vaccine changes that. You have to adapt and be patient, "said the colonel.

Thanks to the work accomplished since the start of the crisis, Col Gagné believes that the vast majority of staff will be on the job in the coming weeks.

To mark the return to this “almost normal” the commander announces the reopening of parks and leisure clubs, the return of day camps, the reopening of the museum and community gardens.

Regarding the indoor sports facilities, the captain is not ready to reopen them at the moment given the important task that this represents for the limited access that could be found there.

With this return to normal, the annual vacation period is also fast approaching. In order to allow personnel to take the vacation to which they are entitled, Captain Gagné announces that the activities of the two wings and of CFB Bagotville will be reduced to a minimum between June 24 and July 1. Only essential services will be maintained during this week.

Later in the summer, from July 18 to August 2, air operations will be cut to free as many people as possible for the holidays.

With the number of COVID19 cases decreasing greatly in the region, Colonel Gagné reminds us that we must remain vigilant at all times in order to protect all the people around us.