COVID-19 Update for June 15, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
Here are the latest steps being taken by provinces and territories in response to COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases across Canada since the start of the pandemic is just short of 100,000.
British Columbia – An announcement is expected soon on Phase Three of BC’s Restart Plan. This could mean the return of hotels and resorts, a broader re-opening of parks including some overnight camping. Based on the criteria previously set out by the government and the province’s top health officer, the next caseload update will be instrumental in determining whether this next phase of re-opening happens this week or later this month. (An update on COVID-19 numbers hasn’t been given since Friday).
Alberta – Alberta moved to Stage 2 of its relaunch strategy on Friday as the result of lower than expected COVID-19 cases. The move ahead includes steps that differed slightly from what was previously planned for stage 2, including lifting the cap on the number of people in restaurants, cafés, lounges, bars, and for religious services/worship gatherings.
Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan will soon be unveiling its full provincial budget. Previously, on what would have been Budget Day in normal times but was instead the start of an uncertain pandemic situation, the province unveiled its spending plans through Main Estimates but did not release revenue projections.
Manitoba – The government has extended Manitoba’s State of Emergency for another 30 days, beginning today.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford today announced that as of this coming Friday seven more regions will be allowed to move into Stage 2 re-opening. This leaves three regions remaining in Stage 1 lockdown: Toronto (the biggest population in the country), Peel (dense suburbia including Mississauga and Brampton) and Windsor-Essex (home to many cross-border workers). Premier Ford pleaded for patience in these regions, expressing optimism that they will be allowed to loosen pandemic restrictions “very, very soon.”
Québec – The government today announced that indoor gatherings in public places can soon have a maximum of 50 people (albeit with the 2-meter social distancing rules still being recommended). As previously announced, restaurants can re-open beginning today in many parts of the province. As with other opening announcements, the hard-hit Montreal area will have to wait longer, in this case until June 22. The announcement only pertains to restaurants, not bars.
New Brunswick – There are no new measures to report for New Brunswick since our last update.
Nova Scotia – Beginning today, visits can again resume at long-term care facilities and homes for persons with disabilities. Visits are required to happen outdoors and visitors must stay two metres/six feet away from residents and staff.
Prince Edward Island – PEI is expecting to move to Phase Four of its plan on June 26, the final phase of the province’s reopening. Unless circumstances change, that will remain the “new normal” for Prince Edward Island indefinitely.
Newfoundland and Labrador – The provincial government has announced a COVID-19 Essential Worker Support Program, cost-shared with the federal government. The one-time payment is for workers who meet certain eligibility criteria, including hours worked and income for a 16-week period between March and July.
Yukon – Bars can reopen this coming Friday, and the Yukon government has issued guidelines to all businesses in preparation of re-opening. Guidelines have also been issued for visitors at long-term care facilities.
Northwest Territories – The NWT moved to Phase Two if its re-opening on Friday, which includes an increase in the allowable size of outdoor gatherings and giving the greenlight for more businesses to re-open, as well as easing travel restrictions.
Nunavut – As of today, the government is permitting residents of the Northwest Territories to travel to Nunavut without needing to isolate.
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