The government run long term care home Excelsoin has a COVID-19 outbreak and one person has died. The outbreak has reportedly been contained to the third floor of the residence after 18 residents and five staff members tested positive. One resident is currently recovering in the hospital.

Before the outbreak, Knowlton had a low numbers of active COVID-19 cases. There are now 27 active cases, bringing the total up to 75 since the beginning of the pandemic.

“I mean, on the weekend we were 5 or less active and now we’ve shot up more,” stated Richard Burcombe, Mayor of Brome Lake.

“This residence is one of the explanations for this number, which has risen significantly in the last 36 hours,” explained Burcombe.

The outbreak occured as the province begins to slowly lift restrictions this week. Quebec has also surpassed 10,000 deaths and 271,000 confirmed cases this week since spring 2020.

The province recorded the lowest number of positive cases (853) on Feb. 7 since October.

Quebec has administered 259,188 vaccine doses resulting in 2.7 per cent of the population being vaccinated. But there has been some backlash towards the government for not procuring enough supply for the second dose. At this time, citizens being offered the vaccine are not guaranteed their second shot, which would consider them immune.

The region of Estrie has received 11,070 doses of the vaccine.

Yesterday (Feb. 8) was the first day some businesses were allowed to reopen in the red zones.

“For ourselves it’s not that big, but the commerce that are able to open which is great news for the small commerce here in the Town of Brome Lake,” said Burcombe.

Stores, the museum and the hair salons are now open. Outdoor activities can resume with a maximum of four people from the same bubble. All public health rules and regulations still need to be respected.

Here is Mayor Richard Burcombe: