COVID-19 lockdown restrictions slowly being relaxed across the country

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will resume his COVID-19 briefings to the nation today after taking a rare day off from the daily routine on Saturday.

With clear evidence of the pandemic curve flattening in Canada, some provinces have already begun relaxing certain lockdown restrictions, with others, including hardest hit Ontario and Quebec, set to do so on Monday.

All are taking a cautious approach, maintaining physical distancing rules as the steps for reopening for business are phased in over weeks or months to try to guard against a second wave of infections.

Canada’s top public health official, Dr. Theresa Tam, said in a press release yesterday that by following public health recommendations, we have collectively brought down the rate of infection. “We are flattening the curve,” she wrote. 

Tam added that while there is reason for cautious optimism, everyone must remain aware of their duty to protect one another in the weeks ahead, especially those at greatest risk.

Public health officials reported another 175 COVID-19 related deaths in Canada yesterday, pushing the total to 3,566. The overall number of coronavirus cases stood at 56,714, which was an increase of 1,653 over 24 hours.

Though Ontario reported another 55 deaths Saturday, Premier Doug Ford said his province could get through the pandemic faster than previously expected.

“I don’t know the exact time … but if we keep going the way we’re going, we’re going to get out of this a lot sooner than we thought we might’ve been able to get out a couple of months ago,” Ford said.

And from British Columbia’s top medical official there was a cautionary note as Dr. Bonnie Henry urged people to stay vigilant.

“We cannot afford any missteps as we look to ease our restrictions in the coming days and weeks,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2020.

The Canadian Press