COVID-19: Here's the latest developments
Coronavirus news is changing quickly. Here's what has happened so far during the month of April.
COVID-19 news is changing by the hour.
Here's what happened today and some noteworthy stories from the month of April.
For more updates and resources, click here.
APRIL 30, 2020
The situation: Nationwide testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Nunavut confirms first case of COVID-19
Nunavut has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in the community of Pond Inlet, an area that's home to about 1,600 people, the CBC reports.
The individual is in isolation and doing well, officials said in a news release. It's unclear how the patient contracted the virus. About 20 people had contact with the patient, all who have been identified and tested, officials said.
Hundreds of doctors come out of retirement to fight pandemic
Hundreds of Ontario doctors have come out of retirement or shifted their work schedules to help combat COVID-19.
The CBC reports that at least 93 doctors in Ontario have returned to work as a result of the pandemic, and The Ontario Medical Association says nearly 2,000 doctors have also signed up with an app that redeploys them to institutions in need of help.
No new cases in New Brunswick for 11 days
New Brunswick's provincial total is holding steady at 118 cases.
The province has had no new cases of COVID-19 for 11 consecutive days.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell said the province is expecting more cases but officials will respond quickly when they are confirmed.
Ontario Premier sees 'light at the end of the tunnel'
Ontario has released 60 guidelines that businesses will need to follow when the province reopens, which Premier Doug Ford says could happen soon.
"There is a light at the end of the tunnel," Ford said Thursday at Queen's Park.
"Today, we are telling our businesses how to be ready for when we get that green light.nWe are in the path to reopening the economy because that curve is flatting."
"We are getting close, get ready."
APRIL 29, 2020
The situation: Nationwide testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Canada surpasses 3,000 deaths
Canada has lost more than 3,000 lives in the COVID-19 crisis.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the country had logged 3,054 deaths, with the majority of patients living in long-term care facilities.
Canada's death rate is higher than originally predicted, even though new cases are trending down.
"We are seeing the tragic paradox of the epidemic playing out," Dr. Theresa Tam told reporters.
"As the epidemic comes under control, and the growth of cases slows, the severe outcomes and deaths continue to accrue, as Covid-19 takes a heavy toll among highly susceptible populations."
Reopening of Manitoba's economy to start Monday
Manitoba will begin a phased approach to re-opening the province's economy, Premier Brian Pallister announced Wednesday.
Starting May 4, a select group of non-essential businesses can re-open, provided they follow strict guidelines.
Those services and businesses include:
Non-urgent surgery and diagnostic procedures.
Therapeutic and medical services.
Retail.
Patio and walk-up service in restaurants.
Hair salons.
Museums, galleries, and libraries.
Day camps.
Outdoor recreation and campgrounds.
APRIL 28, 2020
The situation: Nationwide testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Canada nearing best-case scenarios
New modelling data suggests Canada's cases are doubling every 16 days, down significantly from the first week of April, when cases were doubling every three days.
In a press conference, Dr. Theresa Tam told reporters Canada's case growth is slower than that of "many" other countries.
Short-term projections now forecast between 53,191 and 66,835 cases nationwide by May 5, and between 3,277 and 3,883 deaths by that time.
Alberta cases below projections
Alberta's case numbers and hospitalization rates for COVID-19 are "well below" projections released earlier this month due to social distancing, health officials said.
A few weeks ago, the province was bracing for about 400 COVID-19 hospital patients by April 27, peaking at 800 by late May.
As of Monday, 87 people were in the hospital with the illness, with 20 of them in intensive care beds, the CBC reports.
Manitoba to ban health care workers from visiting multiple sites
Manitoba health care workers will only be allowed to work in one care home or institution to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Officials made the move to help protect sick and elderly individuals, who have been identified as high-risk population segments.
Go HERE for our complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic
APRIL 27, 2020
The situation: Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Applications now open for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Starting today Canadian employers whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19 can apply for a subsidy of 75 per cent of employee wages -- up to $847 per week per employee -- for up to 12 weeks, with funding retroactive from March 15, 2020, to June 6, 2020.
Ontario COVID-19 cases decline, province announces boost for healthcare workers and re-opening plan
Ontario reported 424 new cases of COVID-19 Monday, marking the third day in a row of declining new cases in the province.
A record 640 new cases were reported Friday, followed by 476, 434, and 424 new cases. Officials credit the decline to strict social distancing measures and increased testing.
The Ford government has announced a "pandemic pay premium" for healthcare workers in the province. Several provincial workers, including nurses, personal support workers, cleaners, and correctional service officers will receive $4 more per hour over the next 16 weeks, along with a monthly $250 lump sum for most full-time staff.
Ontario unveiled its plan to re-open the economy but officials have not set dates on when busineses can slowly start to re-open. In a press conference, Premier Doug Ford said there would have to be a "consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases" before the government can start loosening restrictions.
Go HERE for our complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic
APRIL 26, 2020
The situation: Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Nationwide testing
Cases, deaths in Quebec rise; people advised to wear masks in public
As of Sunday, Quebec has 23,267 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,446 people have died, representing an increase of 106 deaths since Friday, CBC News reported. As the province readies its plan to gradually reopen aspects of public life, Public Health Director Dr. Horacio Arruda now recommends people wear masks if they anticipate being in a situation where physical distancing isn't possible.
Ontario schools to be closed until May 29
The Ontario government announced that all publicly-funded schools will remain closed until at least May 29, according to CBC News. In a statement issued on Sunday, the education minister said the decision was based on the advice of the province's chief medical officer of health and other health officials.
Ontario's death toll tops 900
Ontario reported 437 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, increasing the total number to 14,432, which is 3.1 per cent more than the tally reported Saturday, according to the provincial health ministry. This is the lowest growth rate the province has seen in weeks, according to CBC News.
APRIL 25, 2020
Trudeau promises $62.5M for fish and seafood sector
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an allocation of $62.5 million to Canada's fish and seafood sector as there are growing concerns over the state of the country's food supply, reported by CBC News. Funds will go toward protective equipment and implementing health protocols.
All Ontario parks to remain closed until end of May; community gardens deemed essential
The Ontario government is extending the closure of Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves until May 31, reported by CBC News. The closure means there is no car camping and back country camping, roofed accommodations, day-use opportunities and access points are not available and public buildings are closed.
The government also announced it is lifting the restrictions on gardens and community gardens, as it deemed them as an essential service.
Ontario redeploying staff to long-term care homes, as provincial COVID-19 death toll tops 860
According to CBC News, the Ontario government has issued new emergency orders to allow staff to be redeployed to long-term care homes to "ensure they can work where they are needed most during the COVID-19 outbreak." As of Saturday, there have been 145 outbreaks in retirement homes across the province, representing an increase of 14 homes since the last provincial update on Friday.
How hospitals plan on handling the backlog of nearly 100,000 surgeries delayed by the pandemic
CBC News estimates that nearly 100,000 patients in Canada have had their surgical procedures put on hold because of COVID-19. Surgeries countrywide will slowly resume using a triage system, health ministries and doctors say, starting with the most urgent cases.
Canada taking tentative steps toward relaxing some COVID-19-related restrictions
According to CBC News, Canada and other countries are taking tentative steps to ease the lockdowns put in place to limit the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada's premiers are working toward a jointly drafted set of national guidelines on reopening the economy. There could be a common set of guiding principles finalized by next week. News of the guidelines came as Saskatchewan and New Brunswick unveiled their own multiphase plans to reopen.
APRIL 24, 2020
Saskatchewan to reopen economy May 4
Saskatchewan has announced plans to reopen its economy in five phases starting May 4, beginning with medical services like dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, opticians, podiatry, occupational therapy, and chiropractic treatment except for elective surgeries and non-essential procedures.
Fishing and boat launches will also be permitted on May 4, and golf courses allowed to re-open May 15 with physical distancing.
New Brunswick plans to ease restrictions
Government officials are making plans to re-open New Brunswick's economy after 6 straight days of no new cases in the province, the CBC reports.
Chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell said testing and contact tracing will continue and that the economy will open in phases.
Record new cases in Ontario
At the time of this writing, Ontario reported a record 640 new COVID-19 cases as well as 50 new deaths Friday -- but health officials say the number of recovered patients (7,087) outnumbers active cases (6,432) by a "significant" margin.
Friday’s count of 50 new deaths is less than the 55 reported deaths in the province Thursday.
APRIL 23, 2020
The situation: Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Calgary Stampede cancelled
The Calgary Stampede, scheduled for July 3-12, has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The stampede has been a staple in Albert for 108 years and went ahead during both world wars, the Great Depression, and amid widespread floods in 2013.
"This is very, very tough. Stampede is such an important part of who we are as a community, and it's hard for me to even imagine what a July without a Stampede will look like," Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said via the CBC.
"But this year, with this risk, we simply cannot continue to do that."
On average since 2015, the event has brought in $79.2 million in gross revenue and turned a profit of $21.4 million.
Ontario asks for military help in long-term care facilities
The Ontario government is asking the Canadian military to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.
The Ford government is requesting support at five facilities. Speaking with reporters, Premier Ford likened the outbreak at retirement homes to a "raging wildfire".
On Wednesday, the province extended all emergency measures until May 6.
Canada Post warns of Christmas-season-like delays
In a press release, Canada Post has warned of delayed deliveries, due to an increase of Canadians shopping at home due to COVID-19.
According to the release, the current activity is typically only seen during the 'busiest peaks of the Christmas season.'
Canada surpasses 2,000 deaths
Canada's COVID-19 death count has surpassed 2,000, only 8 days after the country reported its 1,000th death.
There are approximately 24,000 active cases of COVID-19 in the country. About 14,000 patients have recovered.
Trudeau announces more vaccine funding
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the federal government will spend more than $1 billion to help scientists develop, test, and manufacture a COVID-19 vaccine in Canada.
The funds are in addition to a $275 million research funding grant announced in March.
APRIL 22, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Student support
Prime Minister Trudeau announced job placement programs and funding for post-secondary students struggling to secure employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit will give students $1,250 a month between May and August.
Students who take care of someone else or have a disability will receive payments of $1,750 a month.
A second wave this winter?
The Center for Disease Control in the U.S. is warning there may be a second, more severe wave of COVID-19 infections this winter.
“There’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will actually be even more difficult than the one we just went through,” CDC Director Robert Redfield told the Washington Post.
“We’re going to have the flu epidemic and the coronavirus epidemic at the same time,” he said, adding this could overwhelm already stressed healthcare systems.
APRIL 21, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Prime Minister announces $350 million in funding for charities helping people affected by COVID-19
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $350 million in emergency funds for community groups and charities are supporting seniors, the homeless and other vulnerable groups, through the pandemic.
The funds will support groups through national organizations like the United Way Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and the Community Foundations of Canada, the CBC reports.
"Their mission has always been to help people in their time of need and that hasn't changed," Trudeau told reporters.
"But COVID-19 is putting a tremendous amount of pressure on those organizations because more people need help."
PEI hopes to ease restrictions by early May
PEI Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison says the province is drafting a plan to ease restrictions in early May.
"I feel the province has lead the country," PEI Premier Dennis King said via the CBC.
"I am confident we can get back to some normal activities, but we still need to proactive physical distancing," he said, adding residents will have to remain vigilant to stop the spread of the virus.
APRIL 20, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Canadain air travellers now required to wear masks
A new rule requiring Canadian air travellers to wear medical masks went into effect at noon.
The new rule requires all people flying in Canada to cover their nose and mouth when:
At airport screening checkpoints, provided the screeners can't maintain a distance of at least two metres.
When they are unable to maintain physical distancing from other people or when asked to wear a mask by an airline employee.
When directed to by a public health official.
Ontario cases may have peaked
Community spread of the novel coronavirus in Ontario appears to have peaked earlier than expected, based on updated modelling released Monday.
The total number of cases for this wave of the pandemic is "now likely less than 20,000" if residents can keep up with social distancing and other protective measures, health officials said.
That figure is "substantially lower" than the figures in Ontario's previous modelling update, released on April 3.
Officials had originally expected cases to peak in May.
APRIL 19, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Cases in Canada 'trending in the right direction,' more support for isolated Quebec communities
On Sunday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated the number of coronavirus cases in Canada "is trending in the right direction," but advises people to stick to social distancing requirements, as reported by CBC News.
Trudeau also promised more support for isolated communities in northern Quebec, following a request from the provincial government. Extra assistance will come courtesy of the Canadian Rangers, a military reserve force in Northern Canada.
Number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario tops 10,000
As reported by CBC News, there have been 568 new cases and 334 recoveries in Ontario Sunday, pushing the province's numbers to 10,578 cases and 5,209 recoveries, along with at least 573 deaths.
Armed Forces members in Quebec to help in long-term care homes
Medically-trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces arrived in Quebec Saturday to examine the situation in the province's long-term care homes, according to CBC News. Around 125 nursing officers, medical technicians and support personnel are there after Quebec asked Ottawa for assistance earlier this week.
APRIL 18, 2020
Canada-U.S. land border closure extended by 30 days
As reported by Global News, Canada and the U.S. have agreed to extend the border closure to all non-essential travel by another 30 days, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Saturday. The mutual agreement, which was established last month, was set to expire on April 21.
Air passengers will be required to wear non-medical masks starting April 20
The federal government is getting ready to release new rules requiring all air travellers wear face masks covering their noses and mouths while in transit, reported by CBC News. A new package of measures also will require people flying in Canada to wear masks at all Canadian screening checkpoints whenever the physical distancing rules can't be maintained.
Alberta meat processing facility hit by COVID-19 outbreak
Alberta's chief medical officer confirmed hundreds of cases have been linked to a meat-packing plant in High River, accounting for 15 per cent of the province's total, according to CBC News. The plant run by Cargill is one of the two main beef suppliers for McDonald's Canada, which has raised questions about food safety.
B.C. data shows curve is flattening, restrictions could be loosened soon
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry indicated some restrictions could be lifted next month if the progress continues, but she also warned that British Columbians should not expect life to return to pre-COVID days anytime soon. Modelling data released Friday shows B.C. is flattening the COVID-19 curve to the point where plans are underway to loosen some provincial restrictions, according to CBC News.
APRIL 17, 2020
Health officials discuss vulnerable population segments
By Friday morning, Canada had more than 30,000 confirmed and presumptive cases. Speaking with reporters, health officials said more than 90 per cent of COVID-19-related deaths in the country have been people over 60 but identified other high-risk population segments: the homeless and people in unstable housing situations.
Elderly individuals living in long-term care facilities is another high-risk segment. Canada's death toll has now surpassed 1,000 with the majority of those patients contracting the virus in long-term care housing.
Canadian Forces heading to Quebec
Quebec, which currently has the most-recorded cases in the country, has asked Ottawa for additional support at retirement homes.
On Friday, Prime Minister Trudeau announced 125 members of the Canadian Forces will be sent to Quebec to support long-term centres.
Other measures to assist the province, including working with the Red Cross and specialized volunteers, are also being considered.
Ontario distributing free iPads with free data to more than 21,000 students
The Ontario government has announced plans to deliver iPads with free wireless data plans to more than 21,000 students who are unable to access the province's online learning tools during the pandemic.
“Our government made a commitment to parents, that we would ensure your children would be safe while they learn,” Education Minister Stephen Lecce told reporters.
“We have to bridge the gap for those kids who may not have the tools to learn.”
The iPads are being purchased and distributed by individual school boards and given to students from low-income families. They will be pre-loaded with educational resources.
The data plans will be available until the end of June.
APRIL 16, 2020
The situation: Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Vancouver Aquarium facing permanent closure
The Vancouver Aquarium is losing an estimated $3.3 million a month after closing due to COVID-19, and may be forced to close permanently if it cannot secure a minimum of $1 million a month in financial support, News 1130 Vancouver reports.
“For the aquarium and Ocean Wise, the conservation organization, this is a disaster,” Lasse Gustavsson, CEO of Ocean Wise, told the news outlet.
Gustavsson said the organization applied for $9.5 million in federal funding three weeks ago but has yet to hear back.
Gustavsson says he has talked to several federal officials and all expressed an interest in helping the aquarium, but funds have yet to be committed.
APRIL 15, 2020
The situation: Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Trudeau announces expanded CERB benefits
In his morning address to Canadians, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced expanded eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), along with a plan to top up the pay of some essential workers during the pandemic.
CERB will now be available to Canadians who have used their employment insurance (EI) benefits since Jan. 1, to seasonal workers who are unable to find work due to the pandemic, and employees who earn up to $1,000 a month.
The CERB currently provides eligible Canadians who have been impacted by the pandemic $2,000 every four weeks up to four months.
APRIL 14, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Ontario set to extend state of emergency
Ontario is expected to extend its state of emergency by at least another month. Legislators are gathering today to pass the bill after Premier Dogu Ford told reporters Monday it’s too early to lift COVID-19 restrictions.
Rapid tests to start shipping this week
The first shipments of Canadian-made, rapid COVID-19 tests will begin arrive at health agencies this week, the CBC reports, following approval of the portable tests by Health Canada.
The technology, made by Ottawa firm Spartan Bioscience, can deliver on-location results in under 60 minutes. An upgrade that is expected to hit the market in a few weeks will reduce the time further, to 30 minutes.
Prime Minister Trudeau says it will be 'weeks' before restrictions eased
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an eventual "phased-in" approach to reopening Canada's economy after COVID-19, but it will be weeks before school and business closures are eased.
"The reality is, it is going to be weeks still," he told reporters outside of his residence at Rideau Cottage.
"We recognize that it is going to be important to get our economy going and that we will have to do it in phases. We will have to remain vigilant until such a point as a vaccine against COVID-19 is found."
APRIL 13, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
APRIL 12, 2020
The situation: Current testing
Provincial breakdown
Canada's curve
Alberta to send personal protective equipment to Ontario, Quebec, B.C.
CBC News reported Saturday the province will be sending personal protective equipment (PPE) to other provinces battling COVID-19 including Ontario, Quebec and B.C. According to a news release, Ontario will receive 250,000 N95 masks, 2.5 million procedural masks, 15 million gloves, 87,000 goggles and 50 ventilators. Quebec will receive 250,000 N95 masks, 2 million procedural masks and 15 million gloves. British Columbia will get 250,000 N95 masks.
Police investigating after 31 patients died inside Quebec long-term care home; at least five contracted COVID-19
CBC News reports police are investigating the owners of a privately run Montreal-area nursing home after discovering 31 patients have died at the facility since mid-March. Of the number, at least five had contracted COVID-19, Quebec Premier François Legault revealed Saturday, promising a thorough review into the matter.
Parliament passes multi-billion-dollar wage subsidy bill
Parliament passed the federal government's wage subsidy bill Saturday night after an emergency sitting, according to CBC News. The legislation focuses on providing financial support for companies reporting big revenue losses caused by the pandemic. Businesses and charities that qualify will be allocated money to pay employees up to 75 per cent of their salary.
APRIL 11, 2020
Ontario extends emergency orders until April 23, new cases, more deaths confirmed
According to the CBC, the Ontario government on Saturday has extended all emergency orders in place until April 23, under a section of the the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act declared on March 17, to help slow the rate of transmission of infection. Ontario also reported 411 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, confirming 31 more deaths.
This will keep in place the closure of amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places and bars and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and the prohibition of price-gouging.
B.C. could be reaching the 'maintenance phase' of its COVID-19 pandemic
The rate of hospitalizations and active cases of COVID-19 has been slowing down in B.C. for the last 10 days, but the number of new cases and deaths continues to increase, as reported by CBC. Mohsen Sadatsafavi, a University of British Columbia professor specializing in disease modelling and projection, said the province could be hitting a "maintenance phase" of the COVID-19 response.
It means the province can continue with its current prevention methods, but also prepare for when certain activities can be allowed again.
APRIL 10, 2020
COVID-19 case count surpasses 6,000 in Ontario, 22 more deaths confirmed
As it stands, there are now more than 6,000 cases of COVID-19 in Ontario, according to CTV News. Provincial health officials added another 478 cases and 22 more deaths Friday, related to the novel coronavirus. The death toll for the province stands at 222, but a scan of Ontario's 34 public health units found 236 deaths due to COVID-19.
Mounties will enforce Quarantine Act, arrests will be a 'last resort'
As reported by CTV News, the RCMP has visited the homes of people who are required to self-isolate for two weeks after returning to Canada from abroad, to ensure compliance with the Quarantine Act that came into force last month. Those who refuse to follow the quarantine order could face fines of up to $750,000 and up to six months in prison. According to a RCMP statement, arrests will be a “last resort” based on the circumstance and the officer’s risk evaluation.
Tokyo Games could be in doubt even in 2021
As COVID-19 spreads in Japan, the Tokyo Games' chief executive said Friday he can't guarantee the postponed Olympics will be staged next year, even with the long delay, according to CBC. The Games were postponed last month with a new opening set for July 23, 2021, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 24.
Montreal sends workers back to the job
With Montreal's 5,262 COVID-19 cases and a total of 91 deaths, the city's workers are returning to work on a gradual basis, CBC reported. The move is a result over the threat of heavy rains and possible flood risk. Because of the extent of flooding last year and in 2017, Mayor Valérie Plante said the city must be ready for clogged drains and rising water levels, especially in boroughs where the flood threat risk is highest.
APRIL 8, 2020
_Bobcaygeon, Ontario nursing home loses nearly half its residents to COVID-19
Another resident from the Pinecrest Nursing home in Bobcaygeon, Ont. died overnight Tuesday due to COVID-19, officials announced Wednesday.
A total of 29 residents at the 65-bed home have died from complications due to the virus, making it the largest outbreak in the province.
Summer student job help announced
The government has announced changes to its Summer Jobs program, that will allow employers who hire summer students to apply for a subsidy of up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial hourly minimum wage.
Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the initiative could help create upwards of 70,000 jobs for Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 and provide work despite the pandemic.
APRIL 7, 2020
Canadian health officials recommend wearing masks in public
Canadian public-health officials now endorse wearing masks in publis as a means to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
“Wearing a non-medical mask, even if you have no symptoms, is an additional measure that you can take to protect others around you in situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, such as in public transit or maybe in the grocery store,” Dr. Theresa Tam told reporters.
APRIL 6, 2020
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) portal opens
The federal government has launched its online portal for Canadians facing unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canadians who have been can apply for income support at canada.ca.
Applicants who set up direct deposit should received their first payment within 3-5 business days. Those who opt for mail delivery can expect their first payment within 10 days.
The payment is $2,000 a month, up to 4 months.
The CERB is applicable for people who were forced to stop working due to the pandemic. That includes employees who are not not eligible for EI, as well as contract employees and freelancers.
The current situation: nationwide testing
Provincial case breakdown
Canada's curve
Go HERE for our complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic
APRIL 3, 2020
Between 3,000 and 15,000 deaths projected in Ontario over a 2-year peroiod
Speaking with reporters, Dr. Peter Donnelly of Public Health Ontario, said experts are projecting between 3,000 and 15,000 COVID-19-related deaths in Ontario over the "entire course" of the pandemic, which could last upwards of two years.
Dr. Donnelly says the total numbers will be dependant on how well the public practises social distancing, only ventures outside for essential matters, and practices regular hand-washing.
VIDEO: COMMON CORONAVIRUS MYTHS DEBUNKED
APRIL 2, 2020
Nova Scotia extends state of emergency, pledges $20 million for impacted workers
With 20 new COVID-19 cases announced in Nova Scotia bringing the provincial total to 193, Nova Scotia has extended its state of emergency until April 19.
The province first declared a state of emergency on March 22.
Premier Stephen McNeil also pledged a $20 million fund for workers who don't qualify for Employment Insurance.
He said the province would provide a one-time $1,000 payment to "bridge the gap between the layoffs and closures and the federal government's Canada Emergency Response benefit."
APRIL 1, 2020
TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES IN CANADA (as of 8:00 a.m. EST): 8,548
TOTAL NUMBER OF COVID-19-RELATED DEATHS IN CANADA: 120*
NOTE: These numbers will likely change through the day but may not be immediately reflected on the Government of Canada's website.
'Zero' chance of life resuming to normal before May 1 in B.C.
With 43 new coronavirus cases reported in BC, bringing the total to 1,013, officials said there is "zero" chance that lockdowns will ease in the province before May.
"[There is ] zero chance — none — that any of the orders will be varied by the end of April," said Health Minister Adrian Dix.
"I think we're in this for a long time."
Toronto: Numbers are 'headed the wrong way'
Ontario has reported its biggest one-day spike in new COVID-19 patients at 426 cases, bringing the provincial total to 2,392 total patients in the province at the time of this writing.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference at Rideau Cottage as efforts continue to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 29, 2020. REUTERS/Blair Gable
Health officials are urging residents to stay inside and only venture in public for essential matters, with Toronto Mayor John Tory saying the numbers in the COVID-19 outbreak in Toronto are “turning the wrong way.”
