COVID-19 Update for July 31 2020 – 12:30pm
This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the official launch of the COVID Alert contact tracing app in Canada, the future of the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit and other programs to support Canadians during COVID-19.
Contact Tracing App
Health officials in Ontario will be the first to begin distributing one-time use keys to Canadians who test positive for COVID-19 that will ultimately alert other app users who may have come into prolonged contact with them in the previous 14 days. Trudeau assured that the app does not take an individual’s name, address or GPS location. He also said that while the app is not mandatory, it is encouraged because health experts say that the more people that use it, the more it can slow the virus and prevent future outbreaks.
The full release on the app can be found here.
Canadian Emergency Response Benefit
The prime minister also spoke on the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and said that there will be more announcements in the coming weeks. However, Canadians running out of CERB will be transitioned to Employment Insurance (EI) or a similar transitional, parallel benefit created for those who don’t qualify such as gig or contract workers. According to Trudeau, the goal is to create an EI system that works for everyone.
Other Support for Canadians
In addition, the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) will be extended by one month to help eligible small business pay rent for August.
Finally, $59 million is being invested to protect migrant workers. The Red Cross is helping the most at-risk workers in Windsor-Essex in particular.
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