COVID-19 Update for June 11, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
Here are the latest steps being taken by provinces and territories in response to COVID-19, now focused on a cautious reopening of the economy and resumption of services. The total number of confirmed cases in Canada since the start of the pandemic is over 97,000.
British Columbia – The BC government has once again formally extended the State of Emergency for 14 days, now ending at the end of the day on June 23. Meanwhile, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the province’s Provincial Health Officer, and the government have approved a plan to make Vancouver a “hub city” for NHL playoffs over the summer. (Vancouver is one of three Canadian cities being considered by the league).
Alberta – The previously announced plan to distribute face masks to Albertans via drive-thrus at three major chains went into effect this week, making Alberta the first province to distribute masks. Yesterday, Alberta also became the latest province to scale back the previous 30-day restriction on prescription medications, now that previous COVID-19 related drug shortages are less of a concern. The government also unveiled a comprehensive plan for schools in the 2020-21 school year.
Saskatchewan – The Saskatchewan Health Authority is set to move to Phase 2 in the resumption of health services on June 16. (SHA is operating on a different plan than the economic re-opening, which moved to Phase 3 this week). In the next phase, surgical capacity will increase to 65-70 per cent, with the inclusion of urgent, emergent and some elective procedures. Meanwhile, guidelines for the next school year will be released next week.
Manitoba – The government is seeking feedback from the public on the next phase of its re-opening plan. As with the previous phase, the government has released a draft plan for Phase Three and is soliciting feedback before finalizing and putting a date on it. The province is also working with the federal government to bring rapid-response for COVID-19 to northern Manitoba.
Ontario – The government today announced the gradual resumption of visits to long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other residential care settings, beginning June 18. Starting tomorrow, the next phase of the province’s re-opening moves ahead. Earlier this week, the province provided a rundown of a new set of businesses and workplaces that will be allowed to resume operations based on a cautious and regional approach.
Québec – Starting on Monday restaurants have the go-ahead to re-open. As with previous opening announcements, the hard-hit Montreal area will have to wait longer, in this case until June 22.
New Brunswick – Premier Blaine Higgs’ government renewed the province’s State of Emergency mandatory order under the Emergency Measures Act. The province continues to operate in the “yellow” stage of its re-opening plan with the exception of Zone 5 (Campbellton) which remains in the more cautious and restrictive “orange” stage.
Nova Scotia – The provincial government is lending a hand to start-up businesses, giving $750,000 to business incubators Volta, Ignite, the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation-Driven Enterprise (ONSIDE), and Innovacorp, so that they can help fledgling new businesses. Starting Monday, the government will begin easing visiting restrictions on long-term care homes.
Prince Edward Island – Premier Dennis King is floating the idea of an “Atlantic Bubble” between the Atlantic provinces, potentially boosting the economy and re-uniting families by allowing travel within the Atlantic provinces without needing to self-isolate. (In a statement, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil expressed some openness to the idea but declined to give a date).
Newfoundland and Labrador – The government will be enhancing the province’s existing 811 HealthLine to improve primary care access. It is now possible toschedule virtual appointments with nurse practitioners for urgent but non-emergency health issues via telephone, text, or video. Appointments are available seven days a week.
Yukon – The government is working on health and safety guidelines for the next school year when students return in the fall. Each school will be responsible for adjusting operations to meet the guidelines.
Northwest Territories – The NWT is once again open to all Canadians after the Premier acknowledged that the previous travel restrictions may not have been compliant with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Travelers will still need to meet conditions, including self-isolating.
Nunavut – Nunavut’s public health emergency has been extended until June 25.
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