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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About 500 British Columbia workers handed layoff notices by BC Ferries are back on the payroll after the company altered staffing plans during the COVID-19 crisis.A total of 1,100 workers were due to be laid off last Saturday but the notices were rescinded for 500 regular employees as BC Ferries waits to learn if it qualifies for federal wage subsidies.A spokeswoman for the company says it could take some time to determine eligibility and even if approved, the layoffs will go ahead for 600 casual workers.Physical distancing regulations require the company to cut passenger levels by 50 per cen

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.