Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this morning announced tighter measures of isolation due to the novel coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic.

Trudeau said Canada is closing its borders to all foreign nationals except U.S. citizens, “at this time.”

He explained special circumstances surrounding the relationship of the two nations is the reason the border remains open to Americans.

However, his address, delivered from his self-isolation due to his wife Sophie testing positive for COVID-19, included a pointed message.

“Let me be clear; if you are abroad, it’s time for you to come home. If you have just arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days. And finally, all Canadians, as much as possible, should stay home. By staying home, you can not only protect your health and that of those around you but ensure that our health-care professionals and our health-care systems can focus on those who need their help.

“I know that these measures are far-reaching. They are exceptional circumstances calling for exceptional measures.”

Trudeau said as of March 18, international flights will be permitted to land only at Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help with the costs of returning home or temporarily covering basic needs while waiting to come back to Canada.

In addition, the federal government is establishing funding programs for individuals and businesses as economic impacts continue to mount during this novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Shortly after Trudeau’s address, Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Health, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, issued a joint statement, noting all non-urgent scheduled surgeries will be cancelled and public gatherings cannot be larger than 50 people, down from 250 as previously demanded.

“Today, we are taking a number of additional steps to address the changing situation in B.C. and ensure our health-care system is best positioned to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“British Columbia’s health authorities are directed to immediately move all hospitals in the province to Outbreak Response Phase 2. This means hospitals will undertake only urgent and emergency procedures and will postpone all non-urgent scheduled surgeries. Hospitals will review operating-room capacity daily to prioritize urgent and emergency cases.

“Lions Gate Hospital in the Vancouver Coastal Health region is directed to move to Outbreak Response Phase 3. This means the hospital will accept only emergency patients. Lions Gate Hospital is also preparing to open a dedicated COVID-19 unit to provide care to those with the virus.

“These measures will assist hospitals to redeploy and train essential service health-care providers on critical care related to COVID-19 to ensure sufficient medical supplies for patients and staff who need them most, and to further increase capacity to respond to the potential for a surge of COVID-19 patients requiring acute care.

“We have worked with the College of Pharmacists to advise pharmacies to provide patients with a prescription refill or an emergency supply of their medications if needed. This will give physicians more time to care for patients with acute care needs. British Columbians are asked to respect this temporary arrangement and are reminded that there is no need to stockpile medication.

“To further enhance the availability of physicians for all British Columbians, the Province will provide physicians compensation for providing virtual-care services. We have also requested all health regulators to begin emergency registration of non-practising or retired health-care professionals, including professionals from other jurisdictions and the armed forces.

“Further, we are moving to restrict visitors in long-term care to essential visits only. Essential visits include compassionate visits for end-of-life care and visits that support care plans for residents based on resident and family needs, for example, families who routinely visit to provide assistance with feeding or mobility.

“In an effort to allow 811 health-care professionals to support more people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who require assistance with other health issues, the Province has created a dedicated phone service to provide British Columbians non-medical information about COVID-19. This includes the latest information on travel recommendations and social distancing, as well as access to support and resources from the provincial and federal governments.

“British Columbians can reach service representatives seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., by calling 1 888 COVID19. Information is available in more than 110 languages.

“We have also taken additional action to enhance social distancing and limit transmission. These efforts are not forever, but they are important for now.

“We are issuing a new order prohibiting all public gatherings of more than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings and other similar events.

“On the recommendation of the provincial health officer, the attorney general, minister responsible for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, has ordered all casinos to close until further notice to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This order came into effect 11:59 a.m. today.

“We are also consulting with education stakeholders on potential recommendations for school operations following spring break.”

Dr. Henry and Minister Dix opened their statement by noting, “We are deeply saddened to announce that three people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recently passed away, all of whom were residents of the Lynn Valley Care Home. We offer our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and the staff who cared for them during this difficult time.

“We are also announcing 30 new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 103 cases in British Columbia. The individuals are in the Vancouver Coastal, Fraser, Interior and Island health regions and were confirmed positive, based on BC Centre for Disease Control testing.

“Six people confirmed positive are in acute care, five have fully recovered and all others are self-isolating at home.

“A significant number of new cases are related to the Pacific Dental Conference 2020 held at the Vancouver Convention Centre.”

At time of publication there are about 375 presumptive and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada.

View the provincial health officer’s order on mass gatherings

For more information on B.C.’s updated testing strategy and self-isolation

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community

Lead image: Calgary International Airport. e-KNOW file photo

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