COVID-19: an RCM in the red zone with only seven active cases!

Elected officials and citizens of Outaouais are demanding that their MRC, where there are currently only seven active cases of COVID-19, change from red to orange.

A La Pêche city councilor, Michel Gervais, has launched a petition to force public health to ease pressure on the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais. In the late afternoon, Friday, more than 1,200 signatures were collected. Mr. Gervais argues that, according to the criteria set by public health itself, the MRC should not be in a state of maximum alert.

“If I don’t get up, who will defend us?” wondered the 35-year-old council politician when he was contacted by phone by QMI on Friday. “Public health has no sensitivity,” says the 62-year-old man.

The prefect of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Caryl Green, does not share this opinion.

“I find that it is not up to elected officials to dictate health instructions, but to public health. I understand the expectations of families and businesses, but it is a collective effort, ”repeated the one who also holds the position of mayor of Chelsea.

Questions

The situation is all the more particular for the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais as its neighbors, those of Papineau and La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, are both at the orange level, even if there are more cases active in the their territory, 42 and 8 respectively, for populations more than twice as small.

“The government should take into account the reality and health situation in each region to impose its restrictions,” says the local parliamentarian and former official opposition spokesperson for health and social services, the liberal André. Strong.

“I am aware that health measures can be restrictive, but we must continue to follow them to protect our loved ones and save lives,” the Gatineau County CAQ member and former prefect responded in writing. from the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Robert Bussière.

Meanwhile, Councilor Michel Gervais has no plans to stand by and intends to form a formal committee of 15 to lead the regional battle this weekend.