There are more than two million recorded coronavirus cases worldwide, according to a database maintained by Johns Hopkins University, with more than 128,000 deaths attributed to the novel virus. Here’s a look at what’s happening in Canada, the U.S. and around the world.
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will be “weeks more” before the government can seriously consider loosening public health restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, saying lifting rules too quickly could result in more cases and losing the progress Canada has made in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
There are more than two million recorded coronavirus cases worldwide, according to a database maintained by Johns Hopkins University, with more than 128,000 deaths attributed to the novel virus around the world.
Canada, which has more than 27,000 presumptive and confirmed cases, has introduced widespread public health measures aimed at keeping people at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
Trudeau on Wednesday announced the government is expanding the list of people who are eligible to receive the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB) established to help those who are out of work because of the pandemic and the measures put in place to fight it.
The prime minister also announced that the federal government will work with provinces and territories to boost the pay of essential workers making less than $2,500 a month, citing staff at long-term care homes as an example.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Wednesday that the issue of boosting the salary for lower-paid essential workers will be discussed on an upcoming call with premiers, with the hope of finding a resolution quickly.
Release of rules will vary ‘from region to region’
Trudeau again emphasized his message of staying home as much as possible and ensuring that public health measures aren’t lifted too soon. He said a “one size fits all” approach won’t work for a country as diverse as Canada, but said no matter the region, it’s key to get through the first wave of COVID-19 before starting to lift some of the rules.
“How that release works will vary from region to region, from industry to industry,” he said. “Co-ordination at the federal level and how we do that is going to be very important.”
Trudeau said he knows people want to get outside and understands the struggles people are facing, but added it will be “weeks more” before government can consider loosening restrictions.
“It would be terrible if we were to release restrictions too early and find out we’re suddenly back in another big wave of COVID-19,” he said, calling for an extremely careful approach to relaxing restrictions.
“It’s not happening yet,” the prime minister said. “If we reopen too soon, everything we’re doing now might be for nothing.”
Reduced services at some border crossings
Late Tuesday, the Canada Border Services Agency announced it is reducing service hours at 27 lower-traffic land border crossings on a temporary basis, saying the COVID-19-related measures will begin at 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
The CBSA said in a statement that the measures, which affect crossings in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec, will remain in effect until further notice.
The government announced in mid-March that it was closing the border to most non-citizens — but that initial announcement had several exceptions, including for Americans. Days later, Canada and the U.S. announced a temporary closure to all non-essential traffic in a push to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
WATCH | Trudeau announces new quarantine measures for incoming travellers:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that, effective midnight Tuesday, anyone who enters Canada from abroad and does not have an isolation plan will be taken to a quarantine site. 0:48
The announcement from CBSA comes after the government announced stepped-up quarantine rules for incoming travellers. Under the new order, people must present a plan to self-isolate and demonstrate (whether or not they have symptoms) that they won’t be in contact with vulnerable people, including “adults aged 65 years or over and people with pre-existing medical conditions.”
The measures come as case numbers mount and several provinces struggle to deal with outbreaks in long-term care facilities. As of 11 a.m. ET Wednesday, Canada had reported 27,557 presumptive and confirmed cases of COVID-19. The provinces and territories that post data about recovered cases list 8,582 cases as resolved or recovered. A tally of COVID-19 deaths maintained by CBC News has recorded 980 deaths in Canada, with another two coronavirus-related deaths abroad.
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Health officials have cautioned that people should behave as though COVID-19 is in their community, even if there are no documented cases, particularly since recorded cases don’t capture information on people who have not been tested or are still under investigation.
Read on for a look at what’s happening in Canada and around the world.
Here’s what’s happening in the provinces and territories
A British Columbia care home has reported five COVID-19-related deaths. The provincial health ministry said the Berkley Care Centre in North Vancouver has at least 17 confirmed coronavirus cases, including those who died. Read more about what’s happening in B.C.
Alberta reported two more COVID-19 deaths and 138 new confirmed cases on Tuesday. Alberta’s chief medical health officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw said increases are to be expected with more testing. Read more about what’s happening in Alberta.
Saskatchewan’s top doctor said he’s “extremely happy” about low numbers of new COVID-19 cases in recent days. But Dr. Saqib Shahab said on Tuesday that people must be mindful of how quickly cases can surge back. Read more about what’s happening in Saskatchewan.
Manitoba reported no new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. “Certainly this may indicate that our efforts are starting to show effect, but now is not the time to loosen up our struggles,” chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said. Read more ab