The mayoress of Montreal, Valérie Plante, suffers from “moderate symptoms” of COVID-19, two days after her diagnosis. Faced with the increase in cases and the growth of the Omicron variant, it does not rule out reusing the state of emergency.
On the sidelines of an interview with The Press, Valérie Plante said she felt tired and hoarse. However, it maintains most of its agenda for the next three days, with a city council and the presentation of its budget by Christmas.
“I think I’m doing pretty well anyway, compared to some people who have very, very strong symptoms,” she said huskily, via video conference. ” How are you. It could get better, but it could get worse. ”
It is still striking. Although we are well protected, it surprises.
Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal
Mme Plante announced on social media on Saturday that she had tested positive after taking a COVID-19 test. She had passed the test “following a case of COVID in [son] entourage ”.
Faced with the meteoric rise in cases in the population for a week, the mayor takes the hit. “It’s hard for morale,” she admitted. As for most Quebeckers at the moment, it is hard on morale what is happening, this variant which is extremely contagious. ”
Renew the state of emergency?
At this point, Mme Plante does not rule out reusing the state of emergency in Montreal if the situation requires it. In August, the state of emergency was lifted after 17 consecutive months, thus putting an end to this measure which devotes a series of extraordinary powers to the City. “All the possibilities are on the table. If necessary, we will not hesitate to reuse it, ”admits the mayor on this subject.
She affirms that the state of emergency is one tool among others in her trunk, which could still prove to be relevant “depending on the evolution of the variant” Omicron. “He’s very strong, he’s spreading like wildfire!” », She confides on this subject.
“Of course, the ideal situation is not complete containment. The best would be if we could keep our facilities open, with reservations and sanitary measures. But obviously, if Public Health decides to close, we will have no choice, ”she continues in passing.
Mme Plante is also due to meet with the Minister for Health and Social Services, Lionel Carmant, on Monday evening, along with the president of the executive committee, Dominique Ollivier. Homelessness risks being one of the issues that will be addressed. “The number of beds has been increased in a really substantial way and at first glance, that covers all the needs”, says the City on this subject, without excluding new measures.