COVID-19 Update for April 27, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
Provinces are beginning to look at gradually re-opening economies and a return to normal. As Canada approaches 50,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, here is a summary of the latest measures taken by the provinces and territories, and what to expect next:
British Columbia – BC Premier John Horgan indicated that a re-opening plan is coming soon. The Premier said that the matter is before cabinet and there will be an announcement “when the time is right.”
Alberta – Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is also expected to make an announcement after indicating that details on timelines and considerations for re-opening the Alberta economy could come be coming this week.
Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan was the first province to unveil a comprehensive re-opening plan. But managing the pandemic continues to be a main focus as late last week Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer restricted all non-critical travel into northern Saskatchewan following an outbreak in La Loche. (Manitoba announced a similar northern travel restriction in their province earlier in the week).
Manitoba – In partnership with the federal government, Manitoba today announced that it is supporting a project to allow local food producers and farmers’ markets to sell their products online. The announcement follows a similar one in British Columbia a few weeks ago. Like other provinces, Manitoba is set to have a plan for re-opening announced this week. Premier Brian Pallister said on Friday that his team was studying Saskatchewan’s plan as a guideline.He had previously stated an ambitious goal of being the first province to fully reopen.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford unveiled Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Economy, but with no specific dates attached, emphasizing the framework is about “how” to gradually return to normal, not “when.” The plan is phased over a series of 2-4 week periods, with COVID-19 containment factors determining if/when various segments of the economy can start back up. In the meantime, public schools and provincial parks have had their closures extended until the end of May.
Québec – The Government of Québec today announced a return plan for elementary schools and daycares, beginning May 11 – albeit cautiously and gradually, involving constant re-evaluation. Québec’s economic reopening plan is expected this week, with Premier François Legault having previously indicated that distancing measures for those older and at-risk will likely remain in place.
New Brunswick – New Brunswick on Friday became the second province to unveil a reopening plan. The four-phase, colour-coded plan is looking to begin easing restrictions, starting with outdoor spaces. The province followed up Friday’s announcement with the release of a more comprehensive guidance document.
Nova Scotia – Starting on Wednesday, small businesses in the province can access the COVID-19 Small Business Credit and Support Program for credit, cash grants and support delivered through participating credit unions. The loans are fully guaranteed by the province, with a maximum $25,000 loan amount.
Prince Edward Island – PEI is expected to have a more detailed announcement of a re-opening plan this week, after Premier Dennis King previously stated that reopening could begin as early as May 1. On Friday, Finance Minister Darlene Compton indicated that since the province announced financial supports, it had already processed more than 30,000 applications for individual support and 2,000 applications from businesses.
Newfoundland and Labrador – With few new cases of COVID-19 being identified day-to-day, Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to roll out their own gradual re-opening plan this week, per comments by Health Minister John Haggie last week.
Yukon – Beginning today, testing criteria in the Yukon has changed. Anyone who has travelled outside of the territory in the last two weeks (or has come into contact with anyone who has) will be tested if they have so much as one symptom.
Northwest Territories – The NWT government has also expanded its testing criteria, to include a general feeling of unease, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of smell.
Nunavut – The Nunavut Department of Health unveiled a free online self-assessment tool for COVID-19, available in four languages. The tool includes recommendations based on symptoms and reported travel history.
If you have any questions about this update, please let us know.
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 organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team