The Epidemiological Situation on the North Shore is Getting Worse

Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine

​LOCAL NEWS - APRIL 12, 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 by zoom with Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, and Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord.

The epidemiological situation on the North Shore is getting worse. There is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with 44 cases confirmed since the beginning of April: 25 cases in the Manicouagan RCM, 16 in Haute-Côte-Nord and 1 case each in the Sept-Rivières, Caniapiscau and Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent MRC's.

Dr. Richard Fachehoun points out that there have been seven active outbreaks: 3 in Manicouagan, 2 in Caniapiscau and 2 in Haute-Côte-Nord so far during the 3rd wave. "I am very worried because almost all cases (83%) are related to the United Kingdom variant, which is 1.7 times more contagious," said Dr. Fachehoun. "Close to 300 close contacts are currently isolating. The increase in the number of cases will probably continue this week, but the decisions you make will allow us to limit the transmission of the virus and move on to a decrease in the number of cases. The situation is critical. You must reduce your social contacts now and not later, because then it will be too late," he added.

An increase in cases is often followed by an increase in hospitalizations, which could affect the health condition of people who need treatments unrelated to COVID-19 (surgeries, for example). The collaboration of the population is essential to make it through this very difficult time.

The CISSS de la Côte-Nord would like to remind the population of the importance of the following:

• Avoid non-essential travels to other regions
• Avoid private gatherings
• Wear a mask and stay at least two meters away from anyone who does not live with you
• Get tested as soon as you have symptoms and follow isolation instructions

Abbygail Wellman
CFBS Journalist