Dear residents of the Pontiac
I write to you to reassure and encourage you that although we are currently facing a world pandemic which is unique to the world thus far, I am confident that we will get through this. We do not know what impact it will have on the Pontiac. We have been fortunate that at the time of writing this letter, most of the cases have been in urban Gatineau. I want to thank everyone for the great effort you are making to stay at home, stay in the Pontiac and distance yourself from others. It is making a big difference.
I would like to thank all of our dedicated local businesses who are tirelessly working and risking their health on the front line to provide for the needs of our population. I would like to thank the doctors and nurses and healthcare staff who are coping with long hours and stressful conditions. I would like to recognize the important work of the SQ, fire service and paramedics for protecting us and keeping us safe.
I would like to recognize the hard work of our mayors and councils providing leadership through this time. I send information to them every day so that we work like a team on your behalf. I also appreciate the dedication of our MRC employees especially Bernard Roy, our DG who I work with hand in hand.
Our best offensive strategy is to avoid groups and non-essential trips. Please continue to wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and do not touch your face. To boost your immune system, it is recommended to consume Vitamin C and Greek yogurt. Please drink as much water as you can. If you have the following symptoms of fever and dry cough please call 819-644-4545 or 877-644-4545 to speak with a nurse who will provide the next steps.
Every day I post information in French and English on my Jane Toller Facebook site-please join or follow. I can answer your questions easily in this way. The MRC website is also being updated
regularly and I post messages twice a week.
We learned recently that the virus has now entered rural Outaouais. We have four rural MRCs. They will not specify exactly where. I think it wise to assume it could be here in the Pontiac and so I ask you to remain calm, work even harder on the prevention measures and be determined.
I hold you all in my prayers and I wish you strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
Please contact me if you have any concerns at prefete@mrcpontiac.qc.ca or 819-647-8198
We can do this! Pontiac Together!
Jane Toller
Warden MRC Pontiac
