Montreal

Soldiers in Quebec's long-term care homes are testing positive for COVID-19

Canadian Armed Forces Brig.-Gen Gervais Carpentier confirmed some of the more than 1,000 members sent to CHSLDs have been infected with the virus. 

Brig.-Gen Gervais Carpentier said some of the more than 1,000 soldiers deployed in Quebec are infected

Canadian Armed Forces personnel arrive at the Villa Val des Arbes seniors residence, Monday, April 20, 2020 in Laval, Que. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press)

UPDATE | Canadian soldiers serving in Quebec nursing homes test positive for COVID-19

Some of the more than 1,000 soldiers deployed to Quebec's long-term care homes have tested positive for COVID-19.

Canadian Armed Forces Brig.-Gen Gervais Carpentier told Radio-Canada Friday that while he could not confirm how many, some of the more than 1,000 members deployed have tested positive.

"Like with all missions, it's not without its risks," Carpentier said. "I would say our members are generally safe. Some of them have been affected, though the numbers are low."

"We are still in a good position to assist health professionals," he said.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces leave a Red Cross training course at Collège Ahuntsic in Montreal on April 29, 2020. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada)

In his daily update on the COVID-19 pandemic Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked whether soldiers would be receiving extra compensation for the risks associated with working in close proximity to those infected. 

"That is something that the Canadian Armed Forces are certainly looking into," Trudeau said.

Soldiers are currently in 25 long-term care homes in the greater Montreal region.

Yesterday, it was announced that their deployment would be extended to June 12.

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Your daily guide to the coronavirus outbreak. Get the latest news, tips on prevention and your coronavirus questions answered every evening.

...

The next issue of the Coronavirus Brief will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.