COVID-19 Update for March 19, 2020 – 12:00pm

Measures to restrict non-essential travel between Canada and the United States are expected to come into effect between Friday night and Saturday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this morning at his regular news conference on COVID-19.

The Prime Minister reiterated that these closures would not impact trade and that the government is working with industry to ensure trade and commerce are protected.

The Prime Minister said the federal government is working closely with health and manufacturing companies to increase the supply of health products and protective equipment.

The Prime Minister thanked the efforts of health care workers across Canada and noted that blood donations are needed and potential donors are encouraged to visit www.blood.ca for further information.

No new policy initiatives were announced.

As of 9 a.m. today, Canada has 621 cases of COVID-19. confirmed and nine deaths. Every province in Canada has now confirmed a case of COVID-19.

Accessing federal support programs

As an update to our release yesterday, here is how Canadians can access the federal government’s support programs.

EI benefits, you can apply at the EI website.

You can apply to have the one-week waiting period waived by calling the government’s toll-free number at 1-833-381-2725, or teletypewriter at 1-800-529-3742.

Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit plans will be available in April through the CRA website and a toll-free number, neither of which has yet been shared.

The Emergency Care Benefit provides up to $900 every two weeks for up to 15 weeks, to those affected by COVID-19. It’s intended for those who don’t qualify for EI, can’t go to work and don’t have paid sick leave.

The Enterprise Team