Residences visited by politicians… and the virus

Candidates for the by-election in the riding of Marie-Victorin should avoid traditional visits to residences for the elderly because of the risks associated with COVID-19, argue experts.

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“We should limit ourselves in this type of activity, because it remains the places most at risk. The most vulnerable people find themselves there, ”launched virologist Benoit Barbeau from the outset.

Yesterday, Coalition Avenir Québec candidate Shirley Dorismond went to the Habitats Lafayette seniors’ residence (RPA) in Longueuil, accompanied by the Minister of the Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon.

The nurse wishes to succeed Catherine Fournier, now mayoress of Longueuil, as deputy for Marie-Victorin.

This by-election will be held on April 11. Advance voting, which began today, continues tomorrow.

The publication on Twitter of this outing, accompanied by a photo where M^me Dorismond chats with a resident without a mask, sparking an outcry on social media.

Not essential

“You should be well placed to understand that your non-essential visit to an RPA in full 6^and wave puts the people who live there at risk. You should set an example,” replied Nathalie Grandvaux, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal.

“If we see several candidates start circulating through CHSLDs and RPAs, that risks creating problems,” argued Mr. Barbeau.

“All the health rules in place were respected during the visit. […] We don’t take chances with vulnerable people,” said Shirley Dorismond’s press secretary, Sarah Bigras.

Note that the Liberal candidate Émilie Nollet went to the RPA Villa Rive-Sud on March 24 with the member for Laporte, Nicole Ménard.

Virulent

“With BA.2 which circulates and which is very transmissible, we can keep some embarrassment and take responsibility to avoid transmission”, specified Benoit Barbeau.

If politicians want to meet the occupants of these residences, it would be wiser to do so outside, he continued.

“There should be an agreement between all parties not to campaign in RPAs, and thus put the seniors who live there at risk, to win votes”, also wrote on Twitter geriatrician David Lussier.

♦ The National Director of Public Health, Dr.^r Luc Boileau, must render his decision today on the lifting of the obligation to wear a mask.