Developments in the global COVID-19 pandemic are nearly constant — and it’s certainly difficult to keep track of everything that’s happening. CBC News has compiled a roundup of stories, explainers and videos on a wide range of topics to keep you up to date on the latest information about the coronavirus.
Travel restrictions, school closures and event cancellations are the new normal in Canada, and phrases like “self-isolation” and “physical distancing” are now part of the collective lexicon.
Developments in the global COVID-19 pandemic are nearly constant — and it’s certainly difficult to keep track of everything that’s happening.
CBC News has compiled a roundup of stories, explainers and videos on a wide range of topics to keep you up to date on the latest information about the coronavirus.
Latest guidance for Canadians on travel and returning home
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned Canadians of a long road ahead. Travel restrictions, physical distancing protocols and business closures could all continue longer than you might expect.
Border restrictions are now in place, and some Canadians find themselves stranded abroad as they struggle to find or pay for expensive last-minute tickets. They are fighting to get home from all over the world, from Morocco to Peru and Algeria, and travel agents are scrambling to help. Read more about travel agents working to get Canadians home.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu said returning Canadian travellers must enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation under the Quarantine Act. She said she would consider criminal penalties for those travellers who don’t self-isolate at home for at least 14 days to reduce community spread.
The Northwest Territories has opted to fully ban travel into the territory for non-residents, with limited exceptions.
Transport Canada says anyone with symptoms of the illness will be denied boarding on all domestic flights and inter-city passenger trains.
WATCH | More aggressive measures needed to stop spread of COVID-19, says Toronto critical-care doctor:
‘Let’s overreact,’ says Dr. Michael Warner so Canada doesn’t experience a health-care crisis like the one gripping Italy. 7:12
What kind of financial support will Canadians receive?
The federal government announced on March 18 an $82-billion support package for businesses and citizens. On March 23, Trudeau further announced a $5-billion credit program to support farmers directly. Read more about the government’s aid package.
Many Canadians are being laid off because of the pandemic as businesses scale back or shut down. Around one million people applied for employment insurance days after the package was announced. Read more about how the government plans to process so many EI claims.
The government has now streamlined this financial support regime, rolling the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit into one. The application process is scheduled to open in early April, with individual income support payments amounting to about $2,000 a month expected to flow about 10 days later. The benefits will be available for four months.
Applicants for EI usually need a medical certificate, along with records of employment, though the new rules allow quarantined workers to apply without the certificate. If you can’t apply because you are quarantined, you can also file for EI sickness benefits later and have the claim backdated. Read more about the EI claims process here.
There is also a proposed wage subsidy for small businesses, such as non-profit organizations, registered charities and some Canadian-controlled private corporations. Read more about how to apply here.
Some banks are also offering mortgage deferrals, although there are worries the program could lead to lowered credit scores and jumps in mortgage payments. Read more about the mortgage deferrals.
Meanwhile, several grocery chains have announced they are increasing wages or hiring temporary workers to keep their shelves stocked during the pandemic. Read more about the grocery chains’ plans here.
What’s happening in the job market?
Professional recruitment firms are seeing openings dry up for all types of employment in just about every sector of the economy.
“In terms of the labour market in Canada, it’s been an incredible collapse … that I’ve certainly never seen in my decades in the business,” said Jeff Aplin, CEO of the David Aplin Group.
The travel, tourism, retail, restaurant and convention industries are just some of the hardest hit, he said, and likely face the biggest challenge recovering after the virus risk abates.
However, there is job growth in some limited sectors right now. For instance, Aplin expects job opportunities in technology and IT from the main telecom and internet corporations and from firms big and small that play a role in providing or supporting online services. In addition, the health-care, delivery and grocery sectors are seeing growth in demand for their services. Read more about job-hunting here.
Trudeau announced on March 27 more help for small and medium-sized businesses to keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis, including a 75 per cent wage subsidy and guaranteed interest-free loans.
Do I have COVID-19, the flu or a cold?
Depending on the severity of the illness, COVID-19 can present with a variety of different symptoms — or no symptoms at all. Some mimic the flu or common cold, while the World Health Organization said they have begun to investigate whether a loss of smell and taste could be a telltale marker of the disease. With all of these different possibilities, if you feel sick, when should you get tested?
Some basic facts about the virus, its symptoms, prevention and what to do if you believe you are infected can be found here.
For pregnant women, there could be additional concerns and uncertainty over the potential impact of the coronavirus for them and their babies. Read our breakdown of what pregnant women need to know about COVID-19 here.
WATCH | Coronavirus — What are the symptoms?
It starts out looking like a regular flu. But when the virus attacks lung cells, shortness of breath ensues, says family physician Dr. Peter Lin. 0:27
What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, the first step is to contact your health-care provider or local public health agency by email or telephone.They’ll be able to tell you if you’re eligible for testing in your area. Some communities have even launched drive-thru testing sites.
Most provinces and territories are limiting testing so that there will be enough for the highest priority patients, including health-care workers.
Do not show up unannounced at a clinic or hospital. However, if you have a sharp turn in your condition, including shortness of breath, call 911 or your local emergency number. Read our guide to what to do in each province and territory.
The importance of staying home
As coronavirus cases continue to rise, Canadians are explicitly being told to stay home to protect their health and the health of everyone in their communities. Ontario is prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.
Reinforcing the government’s message of physical distancing, Gov. Gen. Julie Payette issued a statement March 25, reminding Canadians to “resist the temptation to visit friends and neighbours.”
Such measures are taking on increasing importance. On March 20, police in Quebec City arrested a woman who tested positive for COVID-19 while she was out for a walk. Police in Quebec also issued $1,200 in fines to a man that hosted a gathering in an apartment in Gatineau.
WATCH | What to do if you’re self-isolating at home for COVID-19:
You might choose to self-isol