COVID-19 Update for April 30, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
While confirmed COVID-19 cases across Canada are past 50,000, provincial governments are moving ahead with unveiling plans to re-open their respective economies Closing down wasn’t uniform and neither is re-opening, with different dates, timelines, and details in the plans released so far. Here are the latest measures from the provinces and territories:
British Columbia – Premier John Horgan has extended BC’s state of emergency until May 12. The province will be introducing its phased re-opening plan next week.
Alberta – Premier Jason Kenney will announce next steps in Alberta’s relaunch strategy at 3:30 pm MT / 5:30 pm ET today. Earlier this week, the province released updated COVID-19 modelling projections, showing positive results from preventative measures, and a new “low” modelling scenario estimating 298 hospitalizations and 95 Albertans requiring critical care when the coronavirus reaches its peak.
Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan also unveiled updated COVID-19 modelling this week, showing a significantly improved trajectory compared to the numbers from earlier in April. The province now estimates needing 1,000 fewer hospital beds, 400 fewer ICU beds, and 400 fewer ventilators than previously projected.
Manitoba – Manitoba unveiled its phased re-opening plan, titled Restoring Safe Services. The plan sees many previously closed businesses re-opening on Monday, provided they can limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford released 65 sector-specific guidelines for Ontario workplaces to re-open. While dates for the re-opening have not been announced, Ford says he wants companies to “start getting ready for the green light.”
Québec – The Government of Québec unveiled an initial re-opening plan this week. The revival of the manufacturing sector is being done in two phases (May 11 and May 25). The government is maintaining temporary changes to opening hours and days for many businesses. As with other provinces, there are some big details that still need to be decided, including timing around re-opening shopping centres and the tourism sector.
New Brunswick – While New Brunswick is in the early stages of re-opening, the provincial government updated its mandatory order under the State of Emergency to ban temporary foreign workers from entering New Brunswick to prevent the risk of further outbreaks. The order does not apply to foreign workers already in the province.
Nova Scotia – Earlier this week, the Government of Nova Scotia unveiled a $380 million loan program for municipalities, developed in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators, to help municipalities struggling with finances amidst the COVID-19 shutdown.
Prince Edward Island – PEI this week unveiled a comprehensive phased re-opening plan, titled Renew PEI Together. The first phase of re-opening begins tomorrow. The second phase is set for May 22, with a third for June 12.
Newfoundland and Labrador – The province today announced its re-opening plan, titled A Foundation for Living with COVID-19. Similar to other provinces, the plan is a phased approach, with the move to the next phase of early re-opening happening on May 11. The plan is based on positioning the province at one of five “alert” levels, with public health restrictions being gradually relaxed as it moves from Level 5 (current level) down towards Level 1, based on the recommendation of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Yukon – In response to reduced medical services during the pandemic, the Yukon government is suspending some requirements, such as medical examination certificates for seniors and commercial drivers. The exemption period will extend until 90 days after the state of emergency ends.
Northwest Territories – The territorial government has extended both the Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency declarations until May 12.
Nunavut – The territory’s Chief Medical Officer outlined three criteria that need to be met before restrictions start to be relaxed: a comprehensive COVID-19 testing program in Nunavut, a significant decrease in COVID-19 rates in neighbouring jurisdictions, and no active cases in Nunavut. The territory had no confirmed cases until today, when it announced its first confirmed case in Pond Inlet.
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