COVID-19 Update for May 4, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
By the end of last week, most provinces had announced a re-opening plan or at least an early framework. With over 60,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country, here is a summary of the latest measures being taken by the provinces and territories:
British Columbia – The BC government is expected to unveil its plans for provincial re-opening this week. Although it will be coming later than almost every other province, it’s worth remembering that BC did not have the same degree of lockdown that others did. In other news, the provincial government has extended the temporary layoff period to 16 weeks for COVID-19 related reasons, up from the 13 weeks that previously existed in the province’s Employment Standards Act.
Alberta – On Friday, the Government of Alberta launched the ABTraceTogether app for mobile phones. Using Bluetooth technology, the app helps identify if a user is in close contact with someone who has tested positive. The app aims to accelerate contact tracing efforts, which is otherwise done by interviewing patients – a process that is both labour intensive and prone to gaps as it relies on memory to determine where someone has been and who they have been in contact with.
Saskatchewan – The first phase of Saskatchewan’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan goes into effect today, beginning a gradual process. The Government of Saskatchewan made minor updates to the plan, including clarifying that retailers can accept returned merchandise provided they follow certain protocols.
Manitoba – The first phase of Manitoba’s Restoring Services re-opening plan, one of the more ambitious provincial approaches, goes into effect today, opening the doors for several non-essential businesses that had been closed.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford today announced that the province has massively increased daily lab testing, exceeding the 16,000 daily test target. Today also marked the first phase of re-opening, with select non-essential businesses allowed to open their doors provided they’re following strict guidelines, as announced last Friday.
Québec – Premier François Legault today announced that the government is pushing back the re-opening of non-essential businesses in the Montréal area to May 18. The province remains the hardest hit in Canada. Meanwhile, Québec’s party leaders have come to an agreement on the resumption of legislative business. In-person Question Period returns on Wednesday, May 13, while virtual parliamentary committee hearings will continue until May 22. The National Assembly will then return with three sitting days during the week of May 25 and four during the weeks of June 1 and June 8.
New Brunswick – The province is marking a milestone, with 15 consecutive days of no new cases. Measures including restrictions on interprovincial travel remain in effect though, as neighbouring jurisdictions don’t have similarly positive news.
Nova Scotia – While the Government of Nova Scotia is still working on its re-opening plan, expected to be announced soon, the province did lift restrictions on several outdoor activities this weekend, including for provincial and municipal parks, trails, garden centres, golf driving ranges, and drive-in religious services.
Prince Edward Island – While schools in the province remain closed, select designated schools will re-open on May 11 to support students in the province in need of individualized supports.
Newfoundland and Labrador – To support businesses, the Newfound and Labrador Liquor Commission announced several measures, including waiving liquor license fees for the 2020-21 fiscal year and implementing a wholesale pricing discount for licensees.
Yukon – Hospitals are increasing the number of non-urgent and elective surgeries and procedures while restrictions otherwise remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Northwest Territories – The territorial government is expected to release its plan for lifting restrictions at the end of this week.
Nunavut – Starting Thursday, anyone who chooses to travel outside Nunavut while a travel ban is still in effect will have to cover their own costs for the required 14-day isolation period at any of the Government of Nunavut’s isolation sites. The fee per individual in a room runs $2,100 for the 14-day period. Any additional family member in the room requires an extra $1,050.
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