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federal update

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Public Health Measures Still Required Says Njoo

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Canada’s deputy chief public health officer is reminding people that despite restrictions easing up, it’s important to follow public health measures.

Dr. Howard Njoo said there are still people who can become very sick from COVID-19.

“Continue to follow the individual public health measures that are important to stop the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

“Any optimism is predicated on our continued respect of public health measures.”

There have now been 81,765 confirmed cases of COVID-19 including 6,180 deaths and 41,986 or 51 per cent have recovered.

There have been over 1,401,000 people tested with about 5 per cent testing positive overall.

Labs across Canada are testing an average of 26,000 to 28,000 people daily.

“Public health officials in your area will make recommendations based on a number of factors, including the rates of infection and/or transmission in the community,” he said.

Njoo said recommendations may vary from location to location based on local reality.

“Remember it is now recommended that Canadians wear a nonmedical mask as another layer of protection for settings where physical distancing is not possible.”

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Tam Cautions Patience For Possibility Of Reopening

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Canada’s chief public health officer is warning residents to proceed with reopening carefully.

Dr. Theresa Tam said there won’t be a grand reopening as the seasons continue.

“Until effective therapies or a vaccine is widely available, our aim must be to carefully balance the direct risks associated to COVID-19 epidemic activity with the unintended health, social and economic consequences,” she said.

There are now 79,491 cases of COVID-19 including 5,955 deaths.

“That means reopening to lessen negative consequences while maintaining core public health practices to keep COIVD-19 activity to a low level,” she said.

“For the spring and summer months, strict adherence to the Public Health basics are physical distancing, handwashing and cough etiquette must continue as the bare minimum,” she said.

4,342 or 51 per cent have now recovered from COVID-19.

1,372,000 residents have been tested with 5 per cent testing positive.

Tam said where COVID-19 activity is occurring, use of nonmedical masks or face coverings is recommended as an added layer of protection when physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

She said staying home when sick is a must, always.

Tam said there will be a federal, provincial, territorial special advisory committee on COVID-19’s recommendation on nonmedical masks on Wednesday.

She said we won’t get through this pandemic to fall and winter on hope alone.

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Tam Recognizes Work Of Nurses For National Nursing Week

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Canada’s chief public health officer recognized nursing staff for National Nursing Week during the daily federal update on Monday.

Dr. Theresa Tam says nurses contribute to wellness everywhere and we are all better for it.

“We all know that nurses deliver expert care with that special power of nurturing and we have been very aware of the many sacrifices they have made to be there for their patients in every area of health care during this crisis,” she said.

There are now 69,156 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada including 4,906 deaths.

Over 32,400 or 4 per cent of those testing positive have recovered.

In the past week, an average of 26,000 people have been tested daily, while labs across Canada have tested over 1,118,000 people with 6 per cent testing positive.

Tam said Tuesday marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who revolutionized the field of nursing.

“Their expertise and impact goes far beyond this, spanning every area of health services from education to the development of standards and guidelines, to delivery of public health programs like vaccination, the implementation of infection prevention and control, and contributing to research and innovation,” she said.

Tam said the nursing revolution started small with hand washing and hygiene practices to save lives and raised the standards and profile of nursing.

“So this week let’s all thank Canada’s nurses. Join a 7 pm cheer from your driveway. Draw a thank you sign for health care heroes in your community, or shine a light in a window for all nurses on Tuesday night.”

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Wage Increases Determined By Provinces And Territories

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The prime minister says the plan to top up the wages of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is being finalized.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says this has been a collaborative approach with all provinces and territories and they have all confirmed or are in the process of confirming plans to cost share wage top-ups.

“Premiers from across the country all agree that we need to support our essential workers and I thank the premiers for the continued Team Canada approach. We’re relying on these workers now more than ever now and we will be there to support them,” he said.

Trudeau said how the funding gets distributed and who qualifies will be up to each province and territory.

“For Canadians who are being called to work, to go to work every day. For Canadians who are providing us with essential services so we can continue to keep our families safe and healthy,” said Trudeau.

Trudeau said there are no numbers involved in this wage increase yet because the plan is still ongoing, and that means there are different approaches with different areas. The Government of Canada will be providing up to $3 billion in support.

“The bottom line is this. If you’re risking your health to keep this country moving, and you’re making minimum wage, you deserve a raise.”