Worldwide infections from the coronavirus are soaring toward half a million people as health care systems struggle to keep up.American deaths passed the 1,000 mark.Both Italy and the United States appeared set Thursday to pass the number of infections in China, where the outbreak was first reported.The head of the World Health Organization is urging governments not to squander the opportunity to slow the spread of the virus while there is still time. The U.S. Senate passed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems, and the House is exp

A FIR was registered against Congress MLA John Kumar for allegedly violating the lockdown orders issued by the Puducherry government to contain the spread of COVID-19. It has been alleged that Kumar was distributing bags containing vegetables to a gathering of more than 200 people near his residence in Nellithope. Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy had earlier announced that curfew will be imposed in the Union Territory till March 31.

There are 3,409 confirmed and presumptive cases in Canada. Quebec: 1,339 confirmed (including 6 deaths, 1 resolved) British Columbia: 659 confirmed (including 14 deaths, 185 resolved) Ontario: 688 confirmed (including 13 deaths, 8 resolved) Alberta: 419 confirmed (including 2 deaths) Saskatchewan: 86 confirmed Nova Scotia: 68 confirmed Newfoundland and Labrador: 4 confirmed, 63 presumptive Manitoba: 25 confirmed, 10 presumptive New Brunswick: 26 confirmed Canadians quarantined at CFB Trenton: 13 confirmed Prince Edward Island: 5 confirmed The territories: 4 confirmed Total: 3,409 (73 presumpt

Another 42 cases of COVID-19 are being reported in the province along with another death at a long-term care centre in North Vancouver. Provincial health officer Doctor Bonnie Henry says BC now has a total of 659 cases and 14 deaths. She says 64 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, including 26 in intensive care.

Ontario is reporting four new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the provincial total to 13. The new figures come as the province saw its largest single-day spike in new cases. There were 100 more COVID-19 cases in the province, bringing the provincial total to 688. Health officials have said increasing numbers are expected as many Canadians return from abroad.

Alberta has reported 61 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total in the province to 419 cases. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer, says the cases include a recent outbreak at a care home for developmentally disabled adults. Premier Jason Kenney says police now have full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines to people who are not self-isolating after travel outside Canada.

The British Columbia government is suspending evictions and offering a $500 monthly rebate to help renters and landlords during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier John Horgan says the government is also imposing a freeze on rent increases. Horgan says many tenants have lost their jobs and are worried they won't be able to pay their rent and they should not be forced out when health officials are telling them to stay at home. The money will be paid directly to landlords on the behalf of renters for the next four months. Horgan says while he knows $500 doesn't go a long way to covering the cost of

Ontario is introducing a $17-billion package to help address the COVID-19 pandemic. The money is meant to support the province's health sector, people and businesses. New spending includes a $1-billion pandemic contingency fund, nearly $1 billion more for hospitals, and $75 million for more personal protective equipment for front-line workers. Measures also include a one-time payment for parents of $200 per child 12 years old and under, doubling payments for low-income seniors and suspending student loan payments for six months. The plan includes both $7 billion in new spending and $10 billio

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won't say if the government plans to activate the Federal Quarantine Act. But Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says as of midnight, people returning to Canada must self quarantine for 14 days. If they don't, they can be fined or arrested, as a Newfoundland woman was yesterday. She is due in court via video link for violating public health emergency orders.