143 new coronavirus deaths in Quebec as total cases near 16,000

The Quebec government revealed that the province’s COVID-19-related death toll has increased to 630 total after announcing 143 new deaths.

As part of his daily briefings, Quebec Premier François Legault prefaced that the increased death toll is not entirely attributable to cases within the past day.

“The number is high, however these are not deaths for the most part that have come in the past 24 hours,” said Legault. “There was a change in the method in the way public health takes the data. There was an epistemological test on patients who died in the past week.”

After offering his condolences to the family and loved ones of the new victims, Legault said Quebec now has 15,857 known cases and said 1,018 are hospitalized, 209 of whom are in intensive care.

A total of 132,714 cases have turned up negative throughout Quebec.

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The premier said the situation in Quebec hospitals remains “under control” but says cases in long-term care homes (CHSLDs) remains “difficult.”

Legault said that since yesterday’s meeting, he’s happy to see that 2,000 doctors throughout the province have responded to his request.

“I want to thank those doctors for coming to help us out,” he said.

On Wednesday, Legault stressed the need in Quebec to “fortify” staff at CHSLDs. “We need more, we’re missing people, we’re missing hands,” he urged.

Legault said — beside the new reinforcements — students who are finishing their healthcare studies should receive a call in the next few days asking to help out the province in CHSLDs.

“Today’s numbers show us that the situation is under control in our hospitals, we are concentrating our efforts on nursing homes where it is critical, our lack of staff is our biggest concern,” he said.

Last week, Legault said 90% of the COVID-19 fatalities in the province are within citizens who are 70 years old and older, while 9% are between the ages of 60 and 69.

“It means on the one hand, it’s reassuring for the younger people, but it also shows us where we have to put our attention.”

The premier said the province is short CHSLD workers due to former staff members who have contracted the virus or those who fear that they may.

Legault concluded Thursday’s briefing by saying “we are flattening the curve.” Adding that officials are looking ahead to starting businesses but next steps must be made “gradually and very intelligently.”

The premier said “we will talk about the plan in the coming days.” There are no short-term plans to reopen schools throughout the province.

#COVID19 – Au Québec, en date du 16 avril 2020 à 13h, la situation est la suivante :
15 857 cas confirmés
132 714 analyses négatives (cas infirmés)
1018 personnes hospitalisées
630 décès

Pour en savoir plus sur la situation au Québec : https://t.co/fiqW5E4y8R

— Santé Québec (@sante_qc) April 16, 2020

Quebec is one of the global leaders when it comes to screening tests, according to the premier, hence the consistent influx of known cases throughout the province.

Legault said that for Quebecers who do go outside, they are to remain two metres (six feet) away from people and are urged to wash their hands when they return to their homes.

Canada’s coronavirus death toll now totals 1,048.