41 students, staff in Quebec contract COVID-19 since elementary schools reopen

The highest number of cases were recorded in the Laurentians and Monteregie regions, with each having 10 confirmed cases. (Pixabay file photo)

Quebec’s Education Department has confirmed that a total of 41 students and staff members contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), two weeks after elementary schools outside the Montreal area reopened on May 11.

Based on a May 25 survey of school boards, there were 19 students and 22 staff members who tested positive for the COVID-19 in the first two weeks of the school reopening.

The highest number of cases were recorded in the Laurentians and Monteregie regions, with each having 10 confirmed cases.

The Canadian Press cited Quebec’s public health director Dr. Horacio Arruda in its report, saying that even though there were cases in schools, these did not cause any “significant negative impacts.” He added that more cases are expected as the province relaxes some restrictions, but he assured that situation is under control.

As per Quebec Premier Francois Legault’s earlier announcement, high schools, junior colleges, and universities will not be reopened until September to limit the traffic in public transportation.

Meanwhile, the reopening of schools in the greater Montreal area will be delayed until September, as the number of coronavirus cases in the area continues to rise.

As of publishing, Quebec has recorded 530 new infections on Friday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 50,232, while its COVID-19-related death toll reached 4,363 after it recorded 61 new deaths on Thursday.