CanadaApr 16, 2020
126 new COVID-19 cases reported in Alberta, total cases-1,996
Alberta is reporting 126 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,996 Premier Jason Kenney says there have been no new deaths in the province. So far, 49 Albertans have died as a result of the novel coronavirus. Kenney also announced $53 million in additional funding for mental health and addiction services. Alberta is reporting an outbreak of COVID-19 at an oilsands work site north of Fort McMurray. The province's chief medical officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, says three people have tested positive for the illness at Imperial's Kearl work camp.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Chief public health officer: The other side of the epidemic curve will be like coming down a mountain in the dark
Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says there is cause for cautious optimism that the COVID-19 epidemic is slowing down. In late March, the number of cases doubled every three days. More recently, it takes about 10 days for the number of cases to double. But Tam says that doesn't mean that Canada can ease up on physical distancing measures. She says coming down the other side of the epidemic curve will be like coming down a mountain in the dark. It must be done carefully and slowly, or the fall will be hard.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Deputy PM says Quebec will not be penalized for setting a positive example
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says Quebec will not be penalized for being the first province to top up wages for essential workers. The government announced plans to increase wages for essential workers who make less than $2,500 per month, but the details must still be worked out with the provinces. When asked whether Quebec workers would also receive the federal funds, Freeland says Quebec will not be penalized for setting a positive example.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Patty Hajdu: Government will be reviewing its practices for equipment near its expiry date
Health Minister Patty Hajdu says the government will be reviewing its practices for equipment near its expiry date in the national emergency stockpile. As reported by the CBC, millions of disposable respirators were destroyed after reaching their expiry dates before the pandemic. Hajdu says the government will look at its practices to see if stockpiled equipment nearing its expiry date can be distributed to provinces who need it, or other countries.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Dr. Theresa Tam: COVID-19 situation in US might have a big impact on what the ``new normal'' looks like after the first wave is under control
Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the COVID-19 situation in the United States might have a big impact on what the ``new normal'' looks like after the first wave is under control. She says the first focus is getting Canada's first wave under control. After that, imported cases will be a key risk, and that could mean ongoing travel restrictions to the U.S. and elsewhere.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Federal government has launched a new online mental health service
The federal government has launched a new online mental health service to support people struggling in isolation. The online tool allows people to assess their own mental health, connect with peers and gives them access to professional help from home. Health Minister Patty Hajdu said it can be difficult to maintain good mental health with all the disruptions we're experiencing.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Ontario: 494 new COVID-19 cases, 51 more deaths reported
Ontario is reporting 494 new COVID-19 cases today, including 51 more deaths. That brings the total cases in the province to 8,447, including 385 deaths and 3,902 that have been resolved. There were just over 6,000 tests completed in the previous day despite a promise from the government to do 8,000 tests a day by today. The number of tests under investigation also doubled in the past day to 4,429.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
Quebec Premier making a desperate plea for family doctors and medical specialists to help out in long-term care homes
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is making a desperate plea for family doctors and medical specialists to help out in long-term care homes that are sorely lacking in personnel. Legault says he understands that doctors may be overqualified to help feed and take care of the sick and elderly but he's calling on their sense of duty to help save lives. Quebec had 52 additional deaths compared to yesterday, for a total of 487. The province has 984 people in hospital for COVID-19, including 218 patients in intensive care, a reduction in 12 people from the day prior.
CanadaApr 15, 2020
More Canadians to be eligible for CERB
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is expanding to Canadian Emergency Response Benefit to people who earn some income, seasonal workers and those who have run out of EI.He says people who earn up to $1,000 per month will soon be able to access the benefit.The prime minister says the government also plans to top up the pay of essential workers less than $2,500 per month.He says that includes many people who work in long-term care homes.
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