Good afternoon, Mr. Chair.
First, I'd like to speak to all the witnesses. Ms. Lapointe, gentlemen, thank you for your valuable contribution.
I will start with you, Ms. Lapointe. First of all, allow me to point out how clear your presentation was. You have almost answered all of my questions. I still have some, but you have given me an update, and I am very happy with that. Allow me also to commend all members of the FIQ and to recognize their courage and goodwill in these difficult times.
The virulence of this pandemic is quite incredible. On March 13, when Quebec issued the emergency protection order, that decision was made when there were 17 cases of infection and no deaths. About 25 days later, last night at 8:38 p.m., there were 10,031 cases and 175 deaths in Quebec. No one saw a virus of such virulence coming. However, you point out that all the relevant SARS recommendations were more or less acted upon.
At what point, Ms. Lapointe, did you realize there was a problem with the stockpile of personal protective equipment?
You said that people have to be able to do their jobs with equipment, but are you aware of anyone in your organization having to work without adequate protection? Could this explain some of the community spread that we're seeing today in some CHSLDs?