Prime Minister in selfisolation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is advising Canadians to curtail all non-essential international travel, on account of the still rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic, as both the House of Commons and Senate have been suspended for five weeks.
Speaking to Canadians from outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said that additional screening measures are being implemented at airports, and a “significant” fiscal stimulus package will be coming within days, in addition to the $1 billion in health and economic measures announced earlier this week.
He said his biggest preoccupation at the moment is ensuring that Canadians take seriously public health advice, but not panic.
"I know that you're worried. You're worried about your health, about your families' health, about your job, your savings, about paying rent, about the kids not being in school. I know that you're concerned about uncertainty in the global economy. The steps being taken to keep you safe, have an economic impact," Trudeau said, promising more financial help.
"We do not want any Canadian to have to worry about whether or not they're going to be able to pay their rent, whether or not they're going to be able to buy groceries, or care for their kids or elderly family members. We need to make sure that Canadians have the options and the ability to follow the best public health advice and keep themselves safe."
Trudeau is also reassuring Canadians that he has no symptoms, is “feeling good” and will continue to work from home. Later on Friday he is speaking with the premiers and Indigenous leaders.
"Addressing COVID-19 must be a team Canada effort. To keep Canadians safe and to mitigate the economic impacts of the virus, all levels of government are working together," Trudeau said.
The prime minister spoke directly to Canadians after his wife Sophie tested positive for COVID-19 late Thursday. He is going to be in self-isolation for the next 14 days, alongside his family, but will be continuing his duties.
Trudeau said so far, Sophie's symptoms are mild, but they are taking "every precaution," and are thinking about every family in Canada also dealing with a sick loved one.
The prime minister said that while it is "an inconvenience" and "somewhat frustrating," self-isolating is what he has to do.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam, Health Minister Patty Hajdu, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Transport Minister Marc Garneau held a press conference to update Canada’s response to the novel coronavirus just before Trudeau's address.
Hajdu said that Canada is in a "critical window of opportunity" to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Garneau said that Canada's cruise season is being postponed and overseas international flights coming into Canada will be restricted to a smaller number of airports.
–with files from CTV news–
