CHSLD orderly in early 30s dies after contracting COVID-19

A patient attendant in her early30s, who was working at a long-term care home in Saint-Jrme, north of Montreal, has died of complications from the coronavirus.

Stphanie Tessier had worked for the health board for the Laurentians region for about 10 years. The union representing her confirmed her death occurred Monday.

"She was very young," said DominicPresseault, president of the union for health-care workers in the Laurentians.

"We're all in shock this morning."

Tessier had been working at the CHSLDLucien-G.Rolland. At least 10 residents of them home have tested positive for COVID-19.

"This is a sad event that reminds us that we're all very vulnerable in the face of this crisis," Presseault said.

Tessier is the second patient attendant in the province to die after testing positive for the coronavirus. Just over a week ago, Victoria Salvanofthe Grace Dart Extended Care Centre died.

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Presseault said the union had been pressuring the local health board and CHSLD administration to provide employees with better protective equipment for weeks.

"I'm still asking myself questions about whether enough was done," to protect workers, Presseault said in an interview.

The health board, known by its French name,Centre intgr de sant et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides, saidit is in touch with family.It is conducting an investigation to determineif Tessier was infected by the virus at work.

"I share with our staff a great sadness at the loss of this devoted and appreciated colleague," said the local CISSS'spresident, Rosemonde Landry, in a statement.

The statement defended the CISSS'shandling of protective measures, saying it has established measures to keep its workers safe.

"We cannot completely eliminate the risk of transmission given the number of human movements involved," the statement said. "The virus is circulating in the community and some people may be asymptomatic."

'I am speechless, sad, angry'

Hubert Forcier, the president of the union representing health-care workers in the province, noted in an email that Tessier died on the eve of theWorkers' MemorialDay,aninternational dayof remembranceforworkers killed or injured on the job.

Several friends, family members and coworkers posted messages and condolenceshonouring Tessieron social media.

A woman named Mlanie Tessier, who said she was Stphanie's cousin, posted a picture of the two of them, saying, "my beloved cousin left us today to go be with the angels."

"I am speechless, sad, angry and helpless. Life is so unfair. She didn't deserve that."