Mishall Rehman“No Canadian” trends on social media after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested militarizing the U.S. Canada border in the midst of COVID-19 fears. According to Trump, the move would be to catch “irregular” crossers.
Canadians took to social media to voice how “no Canadian” would cross the border to live in the U.S. in current conditions.
Canada’s COVID-19 cases, according to worldmeter.info, there are now over 4,000 confirmed cases, as of 6 p.m.
Here’s a roundup of the top stories from each province:
CAF
In light of the current situation, the Canadian Armed Forces have decided to reduce the amount of personnel deployed on Operation UNIFIER in Ukraine. The typical 200 member deployment will now be reduced to 60 members. Read more here.
British Columbia
The government is taking unprecedented steps, under the Emergency Program Act, across all levels of government. The new measures will allow municipal bylaw officers to enforce the orders decreed by the province, such as bans on gatherings of more than 50 and closure of businesses. Additionally, the measure will establish a provincial supply chain, the resale of food is banned, and other measures related to travel.
Alberta
Alberta Health Services has boosted its service to help Albertans, who may have mental health concerns. The decision was made to help 811 operators focus on COVID-19 cases while still providing Albertans with proper mental health support. Additionally, new rules have been announced in the province to protect seniors living in seniors’ care homes.
Saskatchewan
Health officials reported nine new cases today, bumping the total up to 95.
Manitoba
During Thursday’s COVID-19 update, Manitoba’s chief public health officer stated it’s highly likely that children will not be returning to school in April. There is no official word on when/if schools would resume.
Ontario
To support businesses that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus, the government of Ontario announced today that licensed restaurants and bars in Ontario may sell alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. Additionally, grocery stores and liquor stores will also be temporarily allowed to begin selling alcohol as early as 7 a.m. in order to support early shopping programs for venerable people.
Quebec
With cases up 290 from Wednesday, Quebec’s premier, Francois Legault, is calling on volunteers to help the province during this time. Volunteer activities include making calls to seniors, getting groceries to those with disabilities, and providing household help for those in need.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick reported seven more cases today.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health stated that a St. Patrick’s Day party with close to 50 people in attendance may have been the source for the province’s increase in cases. The province announced five new cases that were not linked to travel or earlier cases. The chief medical officer of health reiterated the importance of social distancing.
PEI
The province confirmed four new cases, all tied to travel. The province’s total is nine.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador’s legislature is being recalled to plan a series of legislative protections for the province’s citizens. One of the most important concerns they will address is how to support employees and protect them from losing their jobs.
Nunavut
Due to the province’s strict travel ban, Nunavut residents looking to return home must spend two weeks in isolation at a quarantine centre in one of the gateway cities: Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Yellowknife.
