Quebec will become the latest province to provide details around how it plans to reopen its economy later today. The province’s announcement comes after Ontario revealed the framework — with no dates attached — that will be used to guide the phased reopening of Canada’s most populous province. Read more about what’s happening in Canada, the U.S. and around the world.
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A day after outlining a plan to allow children to return to daycares and primary schools in May, Quebec Premier François Legault is expected to announce the hard-hit province’s framework for a gradual reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Legault on Monday announced a plan that would allow children in daycare and primary school in most parts of Quebec to head back to class on May 11 — though attendance won’t be mandatory. Daycares and primary schools in the Montreal area would open on May 19.
High schools, CEGEPs and universities will reopen in the fall, Legault said, adding that officials felt primary-aged schoolchildren would benefit the most from additional weeks of class time.
“We will analyze the situation every day and adjust if necessary,” he said. “The watchword here is prudence.”
“This reopening will be gradual. It won’t be obligatory so that children won’t all come back at the same time,” said Que. Premier @francoislegault announcing plans to reopen elementary schools outside Montreal area on May 11. Read more: https://t.co/pG5fW6cbJg pic.twitter.com/HZT2ApD19y
The province’s top doctor was quick to note that the easing of some restrictions did not mean that people should stop following public health measures and move around widely.
Tuesday’s announcement is expected to offer some detail around how the province would handle a broader reopening of the economy. Neighbouring New Brunswick, which has had far fewer cases than Quebec, has already loosened some restrictions, including opening some outdoor spaces and allowing people to form “bubbles” of two families. Saskatchewan has also released a five-phase reopening plan, with expected dates attached to the first two phases.
Ontario plan focuses on how not when
Ontario, which unveiled its plan on Monday, didn’t attach any dates to its framework.
Premier Doug Ford said the framework is about how the province will reopen — not when.
“We’re all missing birthdays, religious celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime milestones. These are all too real, a painful loss of memories, and moments taken away by this deadly virus,” Ford said. “But that is why we must continue.”
A slow, methodical and gradual reopening will help the province avoid another period of shutdown, Ford said.
WATCH | Ontario reveals reopening plan, no timeline:
Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed details of how the province would reduce COVID-19 restrictions and reopen businesses, but without giving any specific timeline. 1:54
Ford said he wants to see the economy “get going” but can’t risk an escalation in cases if the province opens prematurely.
As of 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Canada had 48,500 confirmed and presumptive cases of the novel coronavirus. Provinces and territories listed 18,281 cases as recovered or resolved. A CBC tally of COVID-19-related deaths, which is based on provincial health data, local public health information and CBC reporting, listed 2,817 deaths in Canada and two abroad.
A case tracking site maintained by U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University reported more than three million cases around the world, with over 208,000 reported coronavirus-related deaths.
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There is no proven treatment or vaccine for the novel virus, which first emerged in China in late 2019. Public health officials in Canada and around the world have cautioned that reported numbers don’t show the full picture, as they don’t reflect people that haven’t been tested or cases that are still under investigation.
Read on for a look at what’s happening in Canada, the U.S. and around the world.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in the provinces and territories
British Columbia’s top doctor said the province is getting closer to lifting some restrictions put in place to respond to COVID-19. Dr. Bonnie Henry said that plans to open up would be “made-in B.C.” and would include measures aimed at breaking the chain of transmission. “We cannot allow hot spots to flare up and to affect our communities.” Read more about what’s happening in B.C., including a story about how Haida Gwaii communities are ramping up enforcement of a ban on visitors.
In Alberta, coronavirus case numbers are below projected levels. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said that actions Albertans had taken to stay home and stay apart have been critical to flattening the curve. Read more about what’s happening in Alberta.
Saskatchewan reported 12 new cases and one new coronavirus-related death on Monday. It’s the fifth death reported to date in the province. Read more about what’s happening in Saskatchewan, including a story about reports of large gatherings.
Manitoba is banning personal care-home workers from working at more than one home as of Friday to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Read more about what’s happening in Manitoba.
Ontario unveiled its three-stage reopening plan on Monday. The three stages will see businesses and workplaces reopen at different times, though likely with distancing measures in place. Restrictions on public gatherings will also be eased, but Premier Doug Ford says large concerts and sporting events are still a long way off. Read more about Ontario’s plan to reopen.
Quebec announced Monday 84 more COVID-19 deaths in the province, bringing the total to 1,599. There were 875 new cases, for a total of 24,