(Montreal) Emergency rooms are very busy this Easter weekend. The authorities are also urging Quebecers to avoid going there as much as possible.
Posted at 1:29 p.m.
COVID-19 continues to hit the network hard.
In the greater Montreal area, the various integrated health and social services centers (CIUSSS) have all reported heavy traffic. They asked people to consult a pharmacist or call the Info-Santé line at 811 for minor problems rather than going to a hospital.
“When to go to the emergency room? Only if your condition requires immediate care,” reads their Facebook page.
Health Minister Christian Dubé said he was concerned on Friday that 13,000 health care workers were missing due to COVID-19 and had anticipated that “it will be difficult in emergencies in both coming weeks”, but that the network would hold firm.
On Friday, the CIUSSS de l’Outaouais announced the temporary suspension of visits until further notice in the seven hospitals in the region. Those in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Chaudière-Appalaches had to reduce certain services in one or more establishments.
Several CIUSSS reminded some cautionary advice, in particular to avoid large Easter gatherings. They recommend people leave windows open to circulate air and stay home if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 such as fatigue or throat irritation.