14.77°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

carney-congratulates-modi-on-becoming-indias-longest-serving-continuously-serving-prime-minister
CanadaJun 10, 2026

Carney congratulates Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving continuously serving prime minister

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving continuously serving prime minister in India’s history. According to statements released by Indian government officials, Modi completed 4,399 consecutive days in office on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 4,398 days held by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. In his message, Carney said Canada and India are working to renew and strengthen their bilateral partnership and expressed interest in continuing cooperation aimed at supporting economic gro
majithias-anticipatory-bail-plea-adjourned-to-june-11-in-majitha-police-station-case
IndiaJun 10, 2026

Majithia’s anticipatory bail plea adjourned to June 11 in Majitha police station case

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before a court in Amritsar in connection with his application seeking protection from arrest and anticipatory bail in a case registered at Majitha Police Station. Following a hearing on Tuesday, the court scheduled further consideration of the matter for June 11. During the proceedings, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case informed the court that advocate Bikramjit Bath was present with Majithia on the day of the incident in his capacity as legal counsel and that investigators had found no evidence of his involve
justin-trudeau-katy-perry-draw-attention-at-tribeca-film-festival-appearance-in-new-york
CanadaJun 10, 2026

Justin Trudeau, Katy Perry draw attention at Tribeca Film Festival appearance in New York

Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. pop star Katy Perry are attracting media attention following their appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Monday evening. The pair attended the premiere of Perry's concert film and were photographed together on the red carpet. Images and video from the event showed the two appearing comfortable and engaged with one another during the public appearance. Public speculation about a possible relationship between Trudeau, 54, and Perry, 41, first emerged in July 2025 after the two were reportedly seen spending time together in M
bank-of-canada-keeps-key-interest-rate-at-2-25-cites-trade-and-inflation-risks
CanadaJun 10, 2026

Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate at 2.25%, cites trade and inflation risks

The Bank of Canada has announced it is maintaining its key policy interest rate at 2.25 per cent for a fifth consecutive decision, citing continued uncertainty around global trade and inflation pressures. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the outlook for monetary policy remains uncertain due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States and rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. According to the central bank, weak economic growth and elevated oil prices are creating competing pressures on the Canadian economy. Macklem outlined two possible scenarios that could influence futur
BCJun 10, 2026

Daylight Shooting Between Vehicles in Surrey Damages Two Homes

A daytime shooting between two moving vehicles in Surrey has prompted an investigation by the Surrey Police Service's Major Crime Section. While no injuries were reported, two homes in the area were damaged by gunfire. According to SPS Media Relations Officer Sgt. Ali Gales, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday near 66 Avenue and 129 Street in South Newton. Police say an occupant of one vehicle fired shots at a person in another vehicle before both vehicles fled the scene. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, based on preliminary findings. However, police have stated tha

Related News