COVID-19 Update for April 14, 2020 – 12:30pm
Help for Northern Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this morning that the government is investing $130 million to help northern communities deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in this is $72.6 million for the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut for health-care and community preparedness support. Additional funds include $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed nutritious food and personal hygiene products and support for northern air carriers transporting these important supplies.
New supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Prime Minister announced four plane loads of N95 masks and other PPE had arrived in Canada. Together with domestic supplies, the Prime Minister said the federal government had 1.1 million N95 masks, millions of pairs of gloves and soon more protective gowns to send to the provinces in coming days.
More than 430,000 Canadians have now been tested for COVID-19.
Returning Travellers
The Prime Minister announced that his government will be making amendments to the Federal Quarantine Act that will require asymptomatic travellers who cannot provide a credible quarantine plan to self-isolate in a hotel for 14 days. This change comes into effect tonight at midnight.
Food Safety
The Prime Minister announced $20 million in funding to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to strengthen the safety of Canada’s food supply and increasing inspections.
Alberta update: Disagreements with Health Canada
A major public disagreement in the COVID-19 response emerged on the weekend, when Alberta Premier Jason Kenney criticized Health Canada approval timelines for tests, medications, and potential during an appearance on CBC’s Power and Politics.
When asked about Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam’s view that there are concerns about the quality of tests and medications in other countries, the Alberta Premier did not hold back criticism. You can watch the interview here.
Currently, Alberta is conducting a clinical trial on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in preventing hospitalization for those at highest risk of COVID-19 hospitalization.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this
effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the link.
- Toronto – https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/
- Hamilton/Niagara – https://www.hamiltonfoodshare.org
- Alberta – https://hopemission.com/
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team