1) Not a single Montreal long-term care centre or seniors’ residence reported a new #COVID19 case Monday, as the total number of active infections dropped to 100 in those institutions. In this thread, I will review the significant progress to date, while raising some concerns.

2) Several news organizations highlighted the fact Quebec did not post any #COVID deaths on Monday, reporting incorrectly that this was the first time since the #pandemic was declared. The last time no deaths were reported was on March 22.

3) Although it’s likely authorities will add some deaths retroactively (as this has happened a few times already), it’s nonetheless wonderful news that the number of #COVID fatalities is falling, and a sign that the crisis in long-term care centres has been brought under control.

4) Meanwhile, the number of new #COVID cases in the metropolis plunged to 15, the lowest since March 22 (see below.) I wish I could state categorically that this is purely the result of Montrealers following public health measures. It’s also likely because of fewer #COVID tests.

5) More and more patients are being discharged from hospital, as the chart below indicates. The province recorded 520 hospitalizations, down from 1,542 on May 19. Many hospitals have closed their #COVID wards and are ramping up elective surgeries.

6) What’s new is that some Montreal hospitals are making improvements to their emergency rooms (adding plexiglass dividers to patient spaces) in preparation for a possible second #COVID wave in the fall, a source told me.

7) At the neighborhood level, three #COVID hot spots — Ahuntsic–Cartierville; Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles; and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension each reported at least a dozen new cases on the weekend. (See the chart below.)

8) Given that eldercare facilities are observing far fewer or no cases each day, it’s likely the #coronavirus is circulating mostly in the community, albeit much less intensely than in April. But we’ve seen in other jurisdictions around the world how #COVID19 can flare back up.

9) It’s for this reason I'm urging authorities to ramp up #COVID screening, including random testing of asymptomatic individuals. It’s also why I support many expert groups around the country that are calling for mandatory masks in public transit and in stores. End of thread.