Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to press and addressed the nation Tuesday morning to remind Canadians of measures already in place regarding COVID-19, as well as to indicate there are further measures to be determined and revealed as the week unfolds.
Trudeau began by recognzing that Canada is currently conducting "national coordination and local action that makes sense for the circumstances on the ground," reassuring all that "Canada is here for you."
"You are doing an incredible job," Trudeau said of the country's healthcare workers - including those in retirement who have offered up their experience to be hands-on in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
"Let's do more than just say thank you," said Trudeau. The PM then linked public behaviour to the effort to assist first responders and health care workers. Those behaviours include the recommendations of public health officials, such as washing hands, sneezing into our elbows, and to not gather in groups of more than 50 people.
"These measures and also social distancing will help our doctors and nurses," added Trudeau.
Social distancing remains a key message from Trudeau to the Canadian population, as the PM emphasized the value of staying home and avoiding unnecessary contact.
In light of Tuesday being St. Patrick's Day, Trudeau took the opportunity to acknowledge that while many Canadians had parties planned, "now is the time to find another way to celebrate, and to do that at home."
"Things will get better," said Trudeau.
"We must all work together," said Trudeau to the Canadian population. "Each one of us can make choices that help the people around us, in fact we can make choices that can save lives."
Trudeau pointed out the following measures now in place or forthcoming:
- As of Wednesday, March 18, Parks Canada is suspending visitor services at all parks and national historic sites. "Pretty much anything with a door will close," noted Trudeau.
- Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents currently abroad have access to $5000 in assistance to get them home
- Announcements are forthcoming this week regarding the economy, and new measures to come to provide relief to workers and businesses.
- Among those measures will be changes to the upcoming tax season, such as flexibility in payments, more liquidity for businesses
"The government is working together to maintain the strength of our economy," remarked Trudeau.
"We are hard at work to create the right support package for Canadians."
Trudeau was pressed on the issue the U.S. border remaining open, and could only offer that we continue to work closely with the Americans on how we proceed.
