BREAKING: Five Canadian soldiers helping at Quebec's long-term care homes have tested positive for coronavirus

The government has confirmed that five members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who have been helping at Quebec's long-term care homes have been infected with coronavirus, according to Journal De Montreal.

"The women and men of our armed forces have always been ready to take risks to protect Canadians and have always been there to serve in difficult times, in appalling situations," said Prime Minister Trudeau during the press release.

He added that the government would take the "necessary actions" in order to limit the number of CAF cases.

"We are going to make sure that we continue and strengthen measures to [keep] our armed forces as safe as possible," said Trudeau.

There were a total of 1,000 soldiers dispatched to 25 CHSLDs in Greater Montreal. An additional 350 provided logistical support in the deployment which is extended until June 12.

Government officials have said that the CAF members are only helping at the CHSLD they were assigned to and are avoiding moving around from one facility to another.

In a recent interview, Brigadier-General Gervais Carpentier noted that soldiers were well prepared for the deployment.

"There was preparation and training, how to wear personal protective equipment, understand the procedures, checks of our staff before leaving. Then there was training from the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Red Cross in Montreal." said Carpentier.

He added that there are about 40 soldiers deployed to each long-term care home.

"Our members are all very proud, it is a unique mission, for sure. We are Quebeckers and we are super happy," he said, "to go and assist our fellow citizens."