Significant consequences for the health system

Christmas gatherings are likely to have significant consequences on an already “strained” health system, experts warn.

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“What scares us is that our healthcare system is already running at full capacity. It is difficult to see how an increase in cases could be handled [de COVID-19], the network is really in tension right now ”, emphasizes D^r Gilbert Boucher, President of the Quebec Association of Emergency Medicine Specialists (ASMUQ).

Premier Legault announced Thursday that families will be able to gather up to 10 people on December 24, 25, 26 and 27 to celebrate Christmas. All within two weeks of voluntary imprisonment.

For the D^r Boucher, this is a good way to frame these meetings because they would have taken place even without government authorization, he believes.

However, the risk of seeing the virus massively infiltrate the population and thus clog hospitals is very present.

” Big problem “

“Obviously, if everyone sees 10 people for four days, we’re in for trouble. There is definitely a risk. If there is an increase in cases in January, we will find ourselves with a big problem, especially with the beds, ”he warns.

However, the positive points of this “permission” on the mental health of individuals should not be overlooked. Isolation has hit many people hard, says Dr.^r Boucher.

Opinion shared by the epidemiologist of the School of Public Health of the University of Montreal, Hélène Carabin, who explains that the ideal world does not exist and that compromises must be made.

“There has to be a balance between people’s mental health and [le potentiel de risque]. I think them [le gouvernement] he reached a reasonable compromise under the circumstances, “he explains.” But people have to keep on being careful, that’s undeniable, “he says.

protect yourself well

The D^re Carabin also invites the population to keep their distance inside and to wear a mask if they are in the presence of vulnerable people.

The D^r Boucher stresses the importance of good ventilation to prevent the spread of the virus.

“If there is one person who is infected in a poorly ventilated room with nine other people, we have 10 infections. This is clear “, he concludes.