COVID-19 Update for May 11, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
As Canada approaches 70,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, here are the latest steps being taken by provincial and territorial governments:
British Columbia – BC is working with TransLink to ensure that British Columbians in the Metro Vancouver area can actually get to work when it’s time to return to work. As the result of COVID-19, TransLink is facing fiscal challenges, and had previously planned service reductions starting May 18, accompanied by 1,500 layoffs. TransLink is putting the brakes on those plans and is now working with the provincial government on solutions.
Alberta – Alberta has launched a new online platform to allow for greater collaboration between organizations looking after seniors’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Titled CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education), the platform aims to improve coordination of transportation, food security, and home support.
Saskatchewan – The province is extending the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) program for businesses required to remain closed or significantly limit operations after May 19. The program provides businesses a payment of 15% of their sales revenue from either April 2019 or February 2020, up to a maximum of $5,000 in order to assist with fixed costs. Qualifying businesses will automatically receive a second payment after May 19.
Manitoba – To help municipalities with the economic challenges posed by COVID-19, the provincial government is speeding up the pace of funding distribution. Now, 75% of municipal operating grants are being directly given to municipalities, with the remainder to come in the fall.
Ontario – Starting today, the provincial government is allowing retail stores to re-open, but only for curbside pickups and deliveries. Provincial parks and conservation reserves are also being opened for limited day-use access. The first areas open today, while remaining areas open on Friday.
Québec – The provincial government marked the complete re-opening of all construction sites and manufacturing. As of today, activity is back on in all construction sites, both residential and non-residential, and at manufacturing companies.
New Brunswick – The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued new rules for visiting patients nearing the end of their lives in hospitals and nursing homes. Patients are permitted to designate two visitors per day, with only one allowed in at a time.
Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health confirmed that the school year for students will end on June 5, while daycares are set to remain closed until at least June 5. The province has not yet issued a re-opening plan, but is expected to soon.
Prince Edward Island – The PEI government has eased some restrictions on household gatherings: members of the same household may now gather indoors with up to five other individuals from different households, and up to 10 if outdoors.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Effective today, Newfoundland and Labrador moves up to “Alert Level 4” as part of the province’s gradual re-opening plan. This early stage allows for some businesses to re-open and activities to resume while public health measures remain in place.
Yukon – The government has launched a non-medical information line that’s available to provide details on borders and closures, economic supports, and any other questions Yukoners may have about COVID-19 that aren’t medical in nature.
Northwest Territories – In an economic relief measure, the NWT government is offering to waive rent on existing surface dispositions on public land, retroactive to April 1.
Nunavut – There are no new measures in Nunavut since the last update. The territory continues to have no confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19.
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