The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, confirms that a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is emerging.
Canada is said to be “on the brink” of a coronavirus surge as four parts of the country enters into a second wave. In a “rare national address,” per Reuters, Trudeau, describes the country “is at a crossroad.”
Trudeau on second wave
The Canadian prime minister believes the second wave might be far worse than when the outbreak started this year. Trudeau says:
“We’re on the brink of a fall that could be much worse than the spring.”
Per Global News, the second wave is not just starting but has already begun. Trudeau cites that the country had “well over 1,000” cases reported in a day—yesterday alone.
It is reported that the COVID-19 cases in Canada have spiked to an average of 1,123 new cases reported daily. This is comparable to the country’s mid-August statistics, having only a daily average of 380 cases.
Global News further quotes Trudeau’s address, as he assures his constituents of the bring the virus under control once again:
“But what we can change is where we are in October, and into the winter. It’s all too likely we won’t be gathering for Thanksgiving, but we still have a shot at Christmas.
“Together, we have the power to get this second wave under control.”
Trudeau believes that the second wave will be manageable because they’ve “already done it once before.”
Expanding restrictions already in play
Large gatherings have already been restricted by the government, as CNN reports. Canadians are reportedly “having too many close, social contacts between family and friends,” as observed by public experts.
These gatherings in groups are “too large to contain the spread” of the virus.
The government is already imposing restrictions in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa on indoor gatherings. Accordingly, bylaw officers and police are upping up their protocols to assure the six or 10-limit is observed.
In fact, a minimum fine of $7,500 is reportedly imposed in Ontario.
We’re facing the very real threat of a second wave of COVID-19. Today, I join my fellow Premiers in calling on the federal government for a 35% increase to the Canada Health Transfer to help build a stronger, more resilient Canada that is prepared to battle COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/12gSO7wfSh
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 18, 2020
Furthermore, one of the government’s promises from Wednesday’s speech is the extended wage subsidy for businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis, CBC reports.
The extension is said to be until next summer. Furthermore, the country’s Criminal Code is also promised to be amended, imposing charges to “those who neglect seniors in their care.”
As of this writing, Canada has a total of 147,756 COVID-19 cases, but 127,788 of those have already recovered. The deaths, however, are currently at 9,243, per Worldometer.
Featured image courtesy of Hermes Rivera/Unsplash