Coronavirus: Over 1,000 CAF members sent to Quebec long-term care homes, more to come by mid-May

The federal government says that by mid-May 1,350 Canadian Forces soldiers will be deployed to 25 Quebec long-term care homes hard hit by COVID-19.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says 1,020 will be deployed as of Thursday at 20 long-term care homes, mainly in the Montreal area.

Of those on the ground, about two-thirds are working in the homes while one-third are providing help with logistics and deliveries.

READ MORE: Working in schools, daycares safe for people under 70, Quebec deputy premier says

Premier François Legault made a request for military help on April 22, asking at the time for 1,000 soldiers.

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Grappling with a shortage of 11,500 health-care workers, Legault said earlier this week he hadn’t received word whether Ottawa would be able to supply the soldiers requested.

READ MORE: Canadian Forces arrive at Montreal seniors’ residences, health authorities rushing to train volunteers

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Sajjan explained while the military would like to move quickly, training personnel takes time.

The Quebec government is expected to detail a wage top-up for essential health workers when Treasury Board President Christian Dubé joins Legault at a briefing Thursday afternoon.