The Prime Minister is thanking the Ontario government for declaring a state of emergency saying they are doing the right thing.
Justin Trudeau says the federal government will help the Ontario government and other provincial governments during these trying times.
Trudeau again stressed the importance of washing your hands often and limiting social interaction in large groups. He asks Canadians to avoid going out on St. Patty’s Day and celebrate at home.
The Prime Minister suggests staying home and work from home if you can.
“Things will get better, as the situation with COVID-19 continues to grow, our government’s response will continue to grow too. Parks Canada is closing in light of pandemic,” Trudeau says.
There will also be an emergency loan program from Global Affairs Canada made available for Canadians trying to get home from abroad.
Trudeau adds by the end of the week they will be making an announcement about the upcoming income tax season. He adds they have a number of emergency bills that will need to be passed by the Federal government and they will address that later as well. Those pieces of legislation involve employment insurance and other initiatives.
Trudeau closed with “if we act now, even if it seems like a big ask, things will be better tomorrow. If you can send an e-mail instead of holding a meeting, order take-out rather than going out to eat, Canada lets work together, I know we can do this.”
Media asked the Prime Minister why he was waiting to close Canada’s borders to United States visitors, with the PM saying nothing is off the table and they are in talks with the United States.
“We will make sure Canadians are safe and we will make sure we aren’t hurting Canadians by limiting goods coming into the country,” Trudeau says.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
More information on COVID-19 is available HERE and HERE.
You can take Ontario’s self-assessment for COVID-19 HERE.
