Trudeau not ready to crack down on people still holding large gatherings

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The PM says people can still go outside, but they must keep the proper distance between each other.

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Trudeau said his government is working with the provinces and coordinating the next steps that may be needed which could include enacting the Emergency Measures Act.

“But for the time being we continue to ask everyone to stay home and help our country come through this crisis,” said Trudeau.

Trudeau said enacting the EMA would require being at a stage that is far beyond what can be done at the provincial level and when there is a need for emergency measures at the federal level to provide those powers.

“We are not at that stage yet,” he said.

Trudeau was asked how much longer the current restrictions could be in place which he said is a question that is up to the scientists.

“I wish anyone could give a date when this is all behind us, but that really depends on not just what we do today, but what we keep doing tomorrow and into next week and next month.”

The PM said his government has been talking to business leaders across the country on how to move forward with economic measures and says nothing is off the table.

“But there is no one measure that is going to be sufficient to get us through this situation. There is going to be many, many different measures brought together that will help us through this.”

Trudeau spent the first part of his media conference thanking Canadians including those who are following the rules, and everyone who is working overtime “to keep us safe.”

“Hospital staff, border agents, store clerks, cashiers, postal workers, delivery folks, pharmacists, cleaning staff, first responders, truck drivers, train conductors and so many others. They’ve been working every day so we can stay at home and practice social distancing. Know that all Canadians are grateful for your services,” said the second term prime minister who remains in self-isolation due to his wife’s diagnosis of Covid-19.

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Here’s a look at the number of cases — including deaths and recoveries — by province:

• British Columbia: 424 confirmed cases, including six recovered and 10 deaths.
• Ontario: 377 confirmed cases, including six recovered and three deaths.
• Alberta: 226 confirmed cases, including three recovered and one death.
• Quebec: 181 confirmed cases, including one recovered and five deaths.
• Saskatchewan: 44 confirmed and presumptive cases.
• Manitoba: 19 confirmed and presumptive cases.
• New Brunswick: 17 confirmed and presumptive cases.
• Nova Scotia: 21 confirmed and presumptive cases.
• Prince Edward Island: Two cases the province lists as positive.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Six confirmed and presumptive cases.
• Northwest Territories: one confirmed case.
• Repatriated Canadians: 13 confirmed cases.

As the number of Canadians infected with COVID-19 climbed to 1,331 yesterday (424 in B.C), and the death toll from the illness rose to 19, further actions were being taken to try to slow the spread of the virus and prevent health-care facilities from being overwhelmed.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island now require any one arriving in their provinces to self-isolate for 14 days, while the Northwest Territories has banned all arrivals except for existing residents and workers considered essential.

There also indications sterner policing measures could be taken to ensure people adhere to the self-isolation recommendations that health-care professionals insist are so critical in battling COVID-19.

Provincial police in Ontario are warning that people will face fines for violating orders to close certain businesses and to limit gatherings. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has suggested citizens who know of anyone not self-isolating after returning from international travel should call police. And in Quebec City, police arrested a woman who was infected with the virus but was still walking around outside after being mandated to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said yesterday that closing internal borders isn’t something she wants to see happen, however, she acknowledged that it has been discussed between Ottawa and the provinces.