Cristina Florentina BraiaCurrently, there are 1.44 million COVID-19 diagnosed people globally, with the number continuing to grow.
We are facing a “critical time for social distancing” and “unprecedented times call for unprecedented actions,” says Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, while strongly reminding people of the importance of staying at home as much as possible, even for the present religious celebrations.
In Canada, as of April 8, 2020, there are 18,447 cases of COVID-19, with 61 more deaths since yesterday, bringing the total to 421.
At the daily briefing, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned the government’s plan to help the students. “In this economic climate, it’s hard for people of all ages to find work, but young people are especially vulnerable. They are new to the workforce, so they don’t have a lot of money set aside for this kind of situation,” Trudeau said.
Provincial COVID-19 rundown below:
British Columbia
British Columbia is starting to show signs of “flattening the curve” and reducing the spread of COVID-19, by using an increased number of tests.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced 45 new cases of COVID-19 and four new deaths related to the virus. The announcements brought B.C.’s total number of confirmed coronavirus cases to 1,336.
The provincial government announced enhanced digital library services today, thanks to a one-time $3-million government investment in public libraries.
“Public libraries play a key role in helping our communities connect to the digital world. This funding is very welcome, especially given the ever-increasing demand on library digital resources”, said Scott Hargrove, chair, Association of BC Public Library Directors, and CEO, Fraser Valley Regional Library.
Recognizing that many British Columbians are struggling with disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, The British Columbia Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) remains open and will consider extending deadlines for applications and dispute responses upon request.
The B.C. government is providing a new Emergency Relief Support Fund and added service flexibility for parents of children with special needs to help during the COVD-19 pandemic: direct payment of $225 per month to eligible families over the next three months (to June 30, 2020).
BC Parks is immediately closing all provincial parks in response to the widespread call for increased action to address COVID-19.
Alberta
There are 25 new cases in Alberta, the total registered cases are now 1,373, from which 26 deaths.
“On Day of Pink, we wear pink to raise awareness of the discrimination against LGBTQ2S+ Albertans. Wearing pink helps spark conversations about the hatred that still exists in our world, and right here in Alberta. It creates a visible movement and helps remind us that we are not alone – and that by standing together, we can create true change,” says Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.
Premier Jason Kenney wishes Alberta’s Jewish community a happy Passover: “May Passover remind us all of the freedom we enjoy as Albertans, which binds us together whatever our differences. And may the inspiring story of Exodus encourage us as we preserve that freedom – of faith, of thought, and of enterprise.”
Also, the Premier says that the forecast models for the COVID-19 crisis in Alberta predict anywhere from 400 to 6,600 deaths in the months to come.
Saskatchewan
As of April 8, 2020, Saskatchewan has 11 new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 271.
One hundred and sixty-five of the cases are considered active. Fifteen more people have recovered, bringing the provincial total to 103.
Manitoba
Public health officials advise four additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 221.
Due to the significant public health concerns surrounding COVID-19 and large public gatherings, major Manitoba 150 celebrations are being paused for 2020, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“As Manitobans, we all love our beautiful summers, and we were looking forward to celebrating Manitoba’s 150th anniversary, but right now, health and safety must come first,” said Pallister.
Today, Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 477 tests, and a total of 14,708 tests have been performed since early February.
As part of its COVID-19 response, the Manitoba government is taking steps to extend supports and services to all young adults who would otherwise age out of the Child and Family Services (CFS) system during this difficult time, Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.
Over the next six months, this measure could benefit more than 280 youth in care and more than 70 young adults with agreements.
Ontario
Ontario reported 550 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, and 21 more deaths, bringing the provincial total to 5,276 cases.
Wednesday’s increase in cases is the highest the province has seen in a single-day jump. However, provincial officials also reported that 2,074 patients have recovered from the virus.
Ontario is extending construction hours for essential construction projects, like critical projects in the health care sector, to 24 hours a day.
“As part of our plan to stop the spread of COVID-19, we are continuing to expand health care capacity in communities across the province,” said Minister Elliott.
Quebec
The number of COVID-19 total cases in Quebec is now 10,031, with 175 number of deaths (25 people died today).
Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal public health director Mylène Drouin and Montreal police deputy director Sophie Roy provided an update on the situation in Montreal.
Montreal public health director Mylène Drouin said Montreal is expected to reach its COVID-19 peak sooner than the rest of the province. Across Quebec, the peak is expected to be around April 18.
“In Montreal, the number of people infected will be at its highest “today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow,” she said.
After negotiations with the federal government in regards to qualification for a wage subsidy program, Air Canada announced that more than 16,000 of its recently laid-off workers would be put back on the payroll. The rehiring will be retroactive to March 15, with the wage subsidy program expected to last until at least June 6.
New Brunswick
Testing at the microbiology laboratory at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Centre in Moncton has identified three new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick to 108.
The new confirmed cases include the first recorded in Zone 6, the Acadie-Bathurst region.
Residents are reminded that as part of the state of emergency for COVID-19, restrictions are in place for all gatherings, including religious celebrations.
“With Easter weekend approaching, it is important to remember that in-person religious services in New Brunswick are prohibited,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “With your co-operation, we will make Easter and all religious observations as safe as possible for everyone.”
The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission today released online information to help New Brunswickers understand their rights and obligations under the Human Rights Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit here for more details.
Nova Scotia
Thirty-two more of coronavirus-positive cases today in N.S, the total number registered being 342. To date, Nova Scotia has 11,346 negative test results, 342 positive COVID-19 test results, and one death. The government stated the testing is being increased.
The dairy farmers started dumping milk to rid the system of surplus production as demand from restaurants plummeted amid the COVID-19 pandemic that forced eateries across the country to close their doors.
Prince Edward Island
Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, announced three more confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Prince Edward Island, bringing the province’s total to 25.
One of the cases is the province’s first that is directly linked to interprovincial travel, where the individual travelled to PEI from another province.
Yukon
Today in Yukon, there is a total of 7 coronavirus- positive confirmed cases (including four resolved).
The Government of Yukon and the Association franco-yukonnaise (l’AFY) have signed an agreement for three years valued at $360,000 to support the delivery of French-language training programs.
Northwest Territories
By date, there are five confirmed cases of coronavirus (including one resolved).
Nunavut
No confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in Nunavut.
Around the World
President Donald Trump stated at a White House briefing that he would consider cutting the U.S. funding to the World Health Organization (14 per cent of its budget). WHO replied a pandemic is “not the time to cut back on funding.”
Today there were 806 deaths in New York City, the city recording more than 4,000 fatalities from the novel virus.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced today the decision to shut down all its oil refineries. In statements posted on Twitter, Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, said the oil industry would look to cut costs, in order to survive oil prices that hit 18-year lows late last month.
President Vladimir Putin reported an extension of the nationwide “non-working week” until April 30, after Russia registered a sharp increase of 1,175 coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s official number of cases up to 8,672 and marking a new record one-day increase in infections.
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While many families get together for Easter and Passover celebrations, people should not let their guard down by gathering this year. Working together to maintain social distancing and staying at home, unless you have to go out, 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.
