Provinces need to boost testing, contact tracing: feds

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Provinces looking to reopen their economies will need to significantly boost and co-ordinate testing and contact tracing to contain future outbreaks of the virus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.

Trudeau says testing and tracing that transcends provincial boundaries will be essential as restrictions begin to be eased and people travel more.

He added a national approach will require the provinces to work with Ottawa on a collective effort.

Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam added the provinces and federal government are increasing local contact tracing.

“Some of them have hired students and other surge capacities, as well,” Tam said of provinces.

“The federal government is offering additional support, as needed, on that front.”

Safe distance

Tam also advised Canadians, ahead of the weekend, that if they do leave their “bubble,” to do so safely.

“Going out, being smart, keeping two metres of physical distancing from others, wherever, whenever possible, avoiding touchign common surfaces and cleaning our hands well and frequently. And depending on the COVID activity in your area, local authorities may recommend the use non-medical masks or facial coverings for an added level of protection.”

Canadian Forces

Meanwhile, five members of the Canadian Forces working in care homes in Quebec and Ontario have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Canadian Forces says the risk to personnel working in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic remains high and is now considering hazard pay for troops deployed in long term care homes — similar to what they would get on a dangerous assignment overseas.

Border

Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada’s mutual border agreement with the United States is working well for both sides.

She won’t say if Canada’s largest trading partner is pushing to extend the restrictions beyond June 21.

Freeland also said Friday that discussions with the U-S have been constructive, and neither country is in a hurry to re-open the border to non-essential travel. (14)

Provinces

Elsewhere in Canada, Quebec is reporting an additional 50 deaths today linked to COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 3,401. Provincial health authorities also reported 41,420 confirmed cases, an increase of 696 in the past 24 hours.

Ontario reported 341 new COVID-19 cases today and 27 more deaths.

Manitoba health officials reported no new COVID-19 cases for the third day in a row.

New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador also reported no new cases.

Correctional Service Canada reports 356 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, an increase of 13. All the new cases have been in the hard hit Federal Training Centre in Laval, Que., which now has 161 cases. To date, two prisoners have died.

Almost all infected inmates are incarcerated at the training centre, the Mission Medium Institution in B.C., which has seen 120 cases of coronavirus disease, or Joliette Institution in Quebec.

In addition, at least 88 guards have been infected.

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