20.53°C Vancouver

May 7, 2020 7:30 PM -

Dr. Theresa Tam: Going to a cottage or a second home can be a bad idea

Share On
dr-theresa-tam-going-to-a-cottage-or-a-second-home-can-be-a-bad-idea
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, speaks during a press conference on Parliament Hill during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Tam says a COVID-19 outbreak gripping the northern Saskatchewan community of La Loche is an area of concern.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Dr. Theresa Tam says it's a bad idea to go to a cottage or a second home if you risk straining local health resources.

Rules and advice on how to apply that will vary from province to province and situation to situation, though.

In Ontario, for instance, Premier Doug Ford has called on people who own cottages not to leave city homes for them over the upcoming Victoria Day weekend, after previously saying he thought it might be OK.

Tam says part of the concern is about spreading the virus that causes COVID-19, and part is about simply having too many people heading to places that don't have the local hospital capacity to treat them if they got sick.



(Millionth test for COVID-19 conducted)



Dr. Theresa Tam says Canada has conducted its millionth test for COVID-19, and about six per cent of the people tested have been confirmed as positive cases.

Nearly half of those who tested positive are considered recovered at this point, but more than 4,000 people have died of the illness.

The country's chief public health officer says mental health is a growing concern amid the pandemic, but one thing that helps many people is feeling as though they're helping and making a difference.

For children, she says being creative and cheering people up with art can achieve that.

Latest news

40-arrested-in-prince-george-retail-theft-crackdown-stolen-property-and-suspected-drugs-seized
BCJul 14, 2026

40 arrested in Prince George retail theft crackdown, stolen property and suspected drugs seized

Prince George RCMP say 40 people have been arrested and more than $3,400 worth of stolen merchandise recovered during a targeted enforcement operation aimed at retail theft across the city. According to RCMP Media Relations Officer Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, officers carried out the "Boost and Bust" project in partnership with retailers including Pine Centre Mall, Parkwood Place, Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore. Police said the operation focused on addressing shoplifting and related criminal activity. RCMP also conducted a series of traffic stops at locations throughout the city during the enf
AlbertaJul 14, 2026

Truck crashes into Edmonton apartment building, explosion kills one and injures several

One person was killed and several others were injured after a truck crashed into a three-storey apartment building and struck a gas line in north Edmonton Tuesday night, triggering an explosion and a large fire. According to preliminary information from emergency responders, the crash occurred at about 9:20 p.m. The truck collided with the building and a gas line, leading to an explosion and fire. Authorities said the truck driver died at the scene. Several people were taken to hospital with injuries. Officials have not confirmed the full cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoin
IndiaJul 14, 2026

Congress leadership discusses Punjab unit as speculation grows over state president's future

Senior Congress leaders held a high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss organisational matters, including the party's Punjab unit, following Rahul Gandhi's return from an overseas visit. Gandhi met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge amid continuing reports of internal differences within the Punjab Congress. Speculation has intensified over the future of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. However, the Congress has not made any official announcement regarding a change in the state leadership. According to party sources, feedback submitted by Punjab Congress in-charge Bhup
death-toll-rises-to-30-after-bangkok-music-bar-fire-investigation-committee-formed
WorldJul 14, 2026

Death toll rises to 30 after Bangkok music bar fire; investigation committee formed

The death toll from a fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao music bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district has risen to 30, according to Thai authorities. Officials said Tuesday that 24 people remain in critical condition in hospital, while several other injured victims have been discharged following treatment. The fire broke out late Sunday night at the entertainment venue. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about 30 minutes. Police are investigating the cause of the fire and whether any negligence contributed to the incident. According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest the
CanadaJul 14, 2026

Two men killed in Toronto festival shooting were allegedly armed

Toronto Police say two men killed during a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night have been identified as 20-year-old and 25-year-old victims. Police also confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the scene as the investigation continues. According to a Toronto Sun report citing an anonymous law enforcement source, both deceased men were allegedly armed and were involved in the exchange of gunfire. The source further claimed that no innocent bystanders were killed in the incident. Connect Newsroom has not independently verified those claims, and Toronto Police have

Related News