By Canadian Press

Quebec coroner extends hearings into care home where 47 died during COVID-19 1st wave

Sep 23, 2021 | 9:36 AM

MONTREAL — The coroner investigating 47 deaths at a Montreal long-term care home that occurred during the pandemic’s first wave says she is prolonging the hearings that were set to end today.

Coroner Géhane Kamel told the inquiry she wants to find out whether employees at Résidence Herron abandoned their posts on March 29, 2020, as things spiralled out of control at the privately owned care home.

She says she will also view video surveillance footage from the facility captured in late March 2020.

Kamel told the inquiry she slept badly last night, noting that the families of residents who died at the facility have unanswered questions and heard contradictory testimony regarding what happened at the care home.

The inquiry has heard that regional health authorities arrived on March 29, 2020, to find residents dehydrated, unfed and soiled.

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The inquiry into Herron was set to close today with the cross-examination of owner Samantha Chowieri, but the coroner says three more dates will be added at the end of October to hear from at least four other witnesses.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2021.

The Canadian Press