The federal government is temporarily expanding eligibility to programs such as the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and the Local Lockdown Program.
Employers and workers can apply if they are subject to capacity-limiting restrictions.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said everyone must do what it takes so all Canadians are protected and can weather the storm.
“We’re gonna be there for the hard-hit regions for specific sectors like art and culture, hospitality and arts and tourism. We’ll be there to you and your family safe. We’re going to work closely with the provinces and territories,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau said there is enough booster vaccine supply for anyone who wants the shot to get it.
He says 85-million rapid tests were delivered to provinces and territories by early December and another 35-million were being sent out this month.
The prime minister added booster shots will help in the fight against Omicron.
He urged Canadians to follow public health guidelines to protect their loved ones and support healthcare workers.
He understands we are tired of COVID and we want it to just go away.
“Know that there are people more tired than you. Our healthcare workers haven’t had much of a break over the last two years. They’ve been going flat out keeping people safe working in long-term care homes, hospitals and clinics, administering vaccines and boosters,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau noted his own office is not immune from the Omicron variant as members of his staff and security detail tested positive recently.
