Canada’s deputy chief public health officer says officials have been working around the clock to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Howard Njoo is asking Canadians to continue social distancing during what he describes as a “critical time”.
“It’s still too soon to say how much we have affected the trajectory, but as Canadians, we are all united in knowing that the best play is to look ahead, not give up, and go where the puck will be going,” Njoo said Saturday.
Njoo said there is no doubt our efforts are having an impact, and not making these efforts is simply not an option.
As of early Saturday evening, there were more than 1,300 confirmed or probable cases and 19 deaths. More than 83,000 people had been tested for the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Canada’s foreign affairs minister urged Canadians abroad to try and return home as quickly as possible.
Franois-Philippe Champagne said officials have been working tirelessly around the clock to repatriate Canadians.
“For several days now, I’ve been in constant contact with representatives from Canadian and international airlines to find solutions to this enormous logistical challenge,” he said.
But Champagne said it simply will not be possible to repatriate everyone who wants to return home.
“The situation is changing hour by hour. Countries impose new flight restrictions, security control ordinates at airports. We understand why other countries do this because we have done so as well,” he said.
Canadians stuck elsewhere can apply for an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help them get home.
