Cristina Florentina BraiaAs of today, April 16, 2020, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Canada is 29,929, with 1,191 deaths, many of them at long-term care homes.
“The epidemic is slowing down,” Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, told reporters gathered for the daily pandemic briefing. She cautioned, though, that while everyone is hoping for a sprint to the finish, preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a marathon, and that “there are no rewards for quitting early.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned the efforts in regards to the discovery of the coronavirus vaccine, the increasing testing capacity all over Canada, and new measures to help the seniors.
Also, today at the daily briefing, he stated that businesses who spent more than $20,000 and $1.5 million on the payroll in 2019 will be eligible to receive a loan through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). By now, 195,000 loans have already been approved.
A New Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program was announced too, which will help small businesses pay their rent for April, May, and June.
You can find below the provincial COVID-19 rundown:
British Columbia
There was no press conference today.
The total number of coronavirus cases in British Columbia was 1,561 as of April 15th, 2020, as there are 44 new cases, three deaths registered in the last 24 hours.
- Hospitalized cases: 131
- Intensive care: 59
- COVID-19 related deaths: 75
- Recovered: 955
The B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service, will be operated by Small Business BC (SBBC), a non-profit organization that is well known and respected by the business community.
“There are multiple programs available, including the B.C. government’s COVID-19 Action Plan, to support businesses through these challenging times. I encourage people in the business community to reach out to Small Business BC to learn more,” said Michelle Mungall, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness.
Throughout B.C., there are over 500,000 small businesses that contribute significantly to B.C.’s communities and economy.
The B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service is supported by the B.C. government and the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada. As the situation evolves, both governments will continue to support businesses and take further action as needed.
Alberta
The number of COVID-19 total cases in Alberta was 1,996 as of April 16th,2020, with 126 new cases in the last 24 hours, and 48 deaths in total.
Starting April 16, workers in long-term care and designated supportive living sites will only be allowed to work at one location. This requirement must be fully implemented no later than April 23.
The Government of Alberta is spending more than $53 million in one-time funding to implement more online, phone, and in-person mental health and addiction recovery support to make it easier for Albertans to access services from anywhere in Alberta during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know people are struggling right now, and we want Albertans to know that help is there for them through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” said Premier Jason Kenney.
Alberta’s Mental Health Helpline is available 24-7 toll-free and offers confidential support for mental health concerns: 1-877-303-2642.
WestJet announced to lay off 1,700 pilots as COVID-19 pandemic halts most of the air travel.
Saskatchewan
As of April 16, 2020, Saskatchewan has one new confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 305. Eighty-two of the cases are considered active.
Currently, there are seven people in hospitals across the province receiving inpatient care. No one is in intensive care.
Of the 305 cases in the province, 132 cases are travellers, 124 are community contacts (mass gatherings included), 29 have no known exposures, and 20 are under investigation by local public health.
To date, 21,569 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. Saskatchewan continues to have the second-highest rate of testing per capita among the provinces.
Manitoba
Public health officials advise four new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 250.
The data also shows
- Eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
- 124 active cases and 121 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
- The number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at five.
- Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 449 tests Wednesday.
- A total of 18,349 tests have been conducted since early February.
Travel to northern Manitoba (north of the 53rd parallel of latitude) is prohibited with some exceptions including:
- Residents of northern and remote communities may continue to move within the north,
- Delivery of goods and services may continue,
- Those who travel to the north for employment,
- Medical treatment
- To facilitate child-custody agreements.
In addition, public health officials are expanding the testing criteria to include:
- All symptomatic workers or volunteers at workplaces that have been identified as essential services,
- Any symptomatic person who lives with a health-care worker, first responder
- Workers in a congregate setting such as a correctional facility, shelter, long-term care, or residential facility.
Ontario
As of April 16, 2020, 10.30 am, the total number of coronavirus cases was 8,961, and 423 deaths.
Ontario significantly expands hospital capacity to prepare for any COVID-19 outbreak scenario, by adding more than 2,000 care beds and taking steps to ensure the hospitals have the staff available to care for a sudden surge in patients.
“When you combine these life-saving beds with the very best care delivered by our highly skilled hospital staff, our patients will definitely have a fighting chance against this deadly virus,” said Premier Doug Ford.
If needed, the hospitals have identified additional opportunities to add new beds, including through the use of field hospitals, conference centres, school locations, and more.
As of April 13, 2020, the average hospital occupancy rate was 69 per cent (64.1 per cent for acute care only), a significant decrease from 96.2 per cent (97.3 per cent for acute beds) before COVID-19 measures.
Ontario recently placed an order with O-Two Medical Technologies to produce 10,000 ventilator units, along with the support of Ontario’s world-class manufacturing sector.
The Ontario government is enabling auto insurance companies to provide temporary insurance premium rebates to drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Auto insurance policy terms generally last for 12 months. The 12-month time period of this regulation would allow insurers to provide rebates to all policyholders, regardless of their annual policy renewal date.
Quebec
In Québec, to date, have been reported 15,857 confirmed cases of COVID‑19, including 630 deaths. Today there were registered 997 new cases and 143 more deaths, but for the second day in a row, the number of patients in intensive care due to the coronavirus has decreased.
The most affected city is Montreal, with 7,281 cases by today. At least 2,000 doctors have come forward to help in the province’s long-term care centres, Premier François Legault announced on Thursday.
Also, starting today, some family caregivers authorized by the Quebec health network will be allowed to enter long-term care facilities (CHSLDs) to provide care for a loved one.
New Brunswick
Public Health reports no new cases of COVID-19 today.
Of the 117 cases previously confirmed, 66 are travel-related, 42 are close contacts of confirmed cases, and nine are the result of community transmission.
During the pandemic, 13 people have been hospitalized, and seven have since been discharged—three of the six patients remaining in hospital care in an intensive care unit.
To date, 80 people have recovered.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said these results are encouraging. Still, she urged New Brunswickers to continue to stay home as much as possible and practice physical distancing when they do have to go out. “We must not lose focus,” said Russell.
Premier Blaine Higgs announced that the declaration of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act was formally extended today.
“We will extend the declaration every 14 days until we are confident we do not need the emergency powers to impose restrictions to slow the spread of this infection,” said Higgs.
Also, since gardening and agricultural retailers are an important part of the food supply, Higgs announced that this sector will be allowed to reopen starting today.
For the duration of the state of emergency and at the request of restaurant owners, restaurants with a license will be allowed to sell liquor off their menu for take-out or delivery. Owners will also need to ensure they do not sell liquor to minors.
Nova Scotia
As of today, April 16, Nova Scotia has 579 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Thirty new cases were identified in the last 24 hours.
The QEII Health Sciences Centre’s microbiology lab completed 1,065 Nova Scotia tests on Wednesday, April 15, and is operating 24-hours.
As of April 15, there were seven licensed long-term care homes in Nova Scotia with cases of COVID-19, involving 42 residents and 23 staff.
To date, Nova Scotia has 18,453 negative test results, 579 positive COVID-19 test results, and three deaths. Confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 90.
Scott Farmer has been appointed the new deputy minister of Environment, replacing Frances Martin, who retires on April 30.
Mr. Farmer has served as associate deputy minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services since 2015.
“Mr. Farmer is an innovator and relationship builder whose leadership skills will help Nova Scotia continue its fight against climate change and grow a strong, green economy,” said Premier Stephen McNeil.
Prince Edward Island
Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, says Prince Edward Island now has one more confirmed positive case of COVID-19, a Queens County man in his 30s.
PEI’s total number of positive cases of COVID-19 is now 26, of which 23 are considered recovered. There have also been 92 new negative results received.
Today P.E.I. declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19. This is in addition to the public health emergency that was previously declared.
Bloyce Thompson, Minister of Justice and Public Safety said, the state of emergency comes into effect at 8 a.m. Friday and will last until April 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Truckers are being offered discount hotel rooms to help them self-isolate while on the Island.
Yukon
As of today, April 16th, 2020, the number of cases of COVID-19 in Yukon is eight, with six recovered cases and 10 pending results.
Six of the eight people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have now recovered, and no one has had to go to a hospital.
Total people tested 833.
Newfoundland and Labrador
By 16th of April, 2020, there are 247 COVID-19 confirmed cases, 5 cases being registered in the last 24 hours.
Three people have died, and the total number of tests performed are 5,370.
Northwest Territories
To date, there are five cases coronavirus confirmed (including two resolved).
1,464 tests completed.
Nunavut
No cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut.
Around the World
There are 2,08 million COVID-19 cases worldwide, with the total number of deaths now surpassing 138,000. Out of the total, Europe registered nearly 1 million cases with 90,000 deaths.
U.S. lost 5,2 million jobs only in the last week due to the pandemic.
Japan extended the state of emergency into the entire country, widening the measures to fight the coronavirus.
Great Britain extendsed its lockdown by three weeks. In the last 24 hours, there were 861 new deaths in the UK.
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Working together to maintain social distancing and staying at home, are the only ways to slow the spread and flatten the curve of COVID-19.
Stay safe!
For more information, access worldometer.com, canada.ca, and don’t miss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s daily briefing at 11.15 ET.
