Coroner Probing Quebec Elder Care Deaths During Pandemic Says Workers Deserve Respect

The former Herron seniors residence, which was one of the hardest hit during the first wave of the pandemic, is seen in Montreal on Feb. 15, 2021. The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz

MONTREAL—The Quebec coroner investigating the deaths at elder care homes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic assured health workers they were not at fault and deserve respect for the working conditions they endured.

“Rest assured that the coroner’s office doesn’t lay blame on health-care workers,” coroner Géhane Kamel said. “And each individual who went to work, whether in a CHSLD (long−term care home) or at the hospital, has nothing but thanks and respect from us.”