COVID-19 Pandemic: Red Cross is adapting and continues to respond

Topics: Quebec, Emergencies and Disasters in Canada, Emergencies and Disasters Worldwide
Montréal | April 02, 2020

In the context of COVID-19, the Canadian Red Cross is adapting its practices to continue responding to emergencies and to support the various levels of government as part of their response to the pandemic. 
 
In Quebec, the Red Cross has been mobilized for several weeks, supporting the Government’s efforts to mitigate the negative impact of this pandemic while complying with public health guidelines to ensure the safety of its volunteers, of its staff and of the people receiving assistance.
 
Assistance provided at the request of the Quebec Government 
  • Emotional support, information and referrals to existing resources and friendly calls to people in self-isolation.
  • Distribution of financial assistance to those who are eligible for the Temporary Aid for Workers Program.
New measures implemented for the delivery of emergency relief services 
  • Opening a virtual emergency operations centre to ensure the continuity of emergency responses, with a focus on home-fires.
  • Implementation of an operational committee to adapt our practices and be ready to support cities and municipalities through virtual methods in case of flooding.
  • Disaster relief services provided virtually, enabling us to protect volunteers as well as beneficiaries.

QUOTES

“Everyone must reexamine the way they are doing things in the new and uncertain context of COVID-19. The Red Cross is no exception. On the one hand, we must adapt our services in order to keep responding to daily emergencies, and on the other, we must find a way of doing this safely. We are highly motivated and creative, always aiming to support those who are most vulnerable.” 
– Pascal Mathieu, Quebec Vice President of the Canadian Red Cross

“We are experiencing an unprecedented situation in Quebec. As it changes day by day, our government is implementing frequent new measures and we know that support from our numerous partners is crucial. More than ever, we are counting on the cooperation of all Quebecers to follow established guidelines because we can make a difference if we work together.” 
– Danielle McCann, Minister of Health and Social Services 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Those who wish to support Canadian Red Cross operations can do so at www.redcross.ca or call 1 800 418-1111.

To learn more about Red Cross efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit our website at: www.redcross.ca

ABOUT THE CANADIAN RED CROSS 

Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.

CONTACTS:

Media Relations
Media line to reach the Canadian Red Cross in Quebec: 1 888 418-9111
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