The defence department has reported a sudden increase in the number of COVID-19 positive tests among soldiers. There are 28 confirmed cases now, up from five last Friday. Defence officials were unable to explain the sudden jump.
The Department of National Defence says 28 Canadian service members — 12 in Ontario and 16 in Quebec — have tested positive for the novel coronavirus after serving in long-term care facilities in both provinces.
It’s a dramatic increase in the number of military pandemic cases given that, less than a week ago, the Department of National Defence (DND) was reporting only five cases of COVID-19 among its members.
Defence officials were unable to explain the sudden jump today, but are insisting that all of the necessary safety and training measures have been put in place.
There are 1,675 service members taking part in the pandemic response operation in both provinces; most of them are backstopping Quebec’s network of long-term care homes.
The operation was launched in response to pleas from both provincial governments as infection rates at long-term care centres overwhelmed civilian support staff.