The federal government is advising against all travel outside of Canada, part of new measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.
On Friday, federal ministers and health officials addressed media on the latest advice to help combat what Health Minister Patty Hajdu called a serious public-health crisis.
“We know these measures are going to cause disruptions in your lives, but we know that these are also incredibly necessary measures to protect the health and well-being of all Canadians,” she said.
Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said her advice is to postpone or cancel all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
Tam said travellers returning to Canada must continue to self-monitor for symptoms upon their arrival, and anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus such as cough, difficulty breathing or fever must self-quarantine and contact their local health authorities.
Those coming from Wuhan, China, Italy or Iran are also being directed to self-quarantine for 14 days regardless of their symptoms.
As an additional measure, Tam is also asking all travellers from outside Canada to consider self-isolation as an additional precaution, whether they are sick or not.
“While making the choice to stay at home and not travel outside of Canada, you are protecting yourself and your family, and doing your part to help us slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the most vulnerable in our communities,” she said. “It is also important to remember that if you travel abroad, you could be subject to the measures of other countries. Your one-week trip may become much longer. You may also have reduced access to quality health care.”
Tam also urged Canadians to reconsider large sporting, entertainment or religious events and international conferences, and for organizers to consider cancelling, postponing or modifying events where many people gather.
This advice, she said, is especially important for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions who are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.
“If you're ill, do not attend large events or crowded places. Everyone has to contribute to flattening this epidemic curve and we have to modify our behaviours, including personal hygienic measures like frequent hand washing, covering our coughs and practising social distancing,” she said.
Her advice comes on the heels of a number of cancellations of major public events, including the remainder of the NHL season and the Junos, as well as decisions in several provinces to postpone all public gatherings larger than 250 people. Some provinces have also issued their own directives regarding restrictions on people returning from international travel.
Cruise ships cancelled
Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced Friday that, in addition to previous advice for Canadians to avoid cruise ship travel, Canada would ban cruise ships that carry more than 500 people, including passengers and crew, from stopping in Canada until July 1.
He said the government will re-examine the situation at that time. There will also be a series of additional health measures placed on smaller ships, including ferries, with more information on that to come.
Though all details were not made available Friday, Garneau also announced the decision to redirect overseas international flights coming into Canada to a small number of airports. He said more information on which airports will be released soon. These measures will help officials better screen and monitor passengers coming into Canada, he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also hinted Friday the government is looking at taking steps to restrict travellers coming from outside Canada.
Financial help
Addressing media Friday from self-isolation at Rideau Cottage, where he will remain for 14 days, Trudeau said his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, is doing well and is experiencing only mild symptoms after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Gregoire Trudeau began developing symptoms after a trip to the U.K. and tested positive for the virus Thursday night. Because Trudeau did not have any contact with his wife while she was experiencing symptoms, and because he does not have symptoms, he is not being tested for the virus.
“We are thinking about all the families across the country who have received the same diagnosis,” he said.
Trudeau promised that, in addition to the $1-billion COVID-19 response fund and associated EI measures introduced earlier this week, the Government of Canada will announce a “significant” stimulus package in the coming days aimed at helping Canadians navigate financial uncertainty surrounding reduced hours, child care and the recent major hit to the global economy.
“No one should have to worry about paying rent, buying groceries or additional child care because of COVID-19. We will help Canadians financially,” he said.
“We are in the enviable position of having significant fiscal firepower to be able to support you.”
Also on Friday, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz said he is cutting the key overnight lending rate by 50 basis points, to 0.75 per cent, and Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced $10 billion in credit will be available through the Business Development Bank and Export Development Canada to businesses affected by COVID-19
All parties agreed Friday on a motion adjourning the House of Commons until at least April 20, but not before the new NAFTA was ratified Saturday by both the upper and lower chambers.
All public tours of the House of Commons have been cancelled, as have all other parliamentary functions and events, and the Senate has also been adjourned until April 20.
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Pablo Rodriguez said there are mechanisms in place that will allow the government to continue doing its job and spending money as needed to address COVID-19.
This also means the federal budget, which was scheduled for March 30, will be postponed until a later date.
As of Friday, there were 157 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Canada.
