Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has fired what appears to be the last warning to social distancing rebels.
“Enough is enough. Go home and stay home,” said Trudeau Monday morning, after appearing from self-isolation outside his home.
Reacting to continued calls to invoke the Emergencies Act and potentially force people to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister hinted that such talks could take place later today with Canada’s premiers.
“If you choose to ignore (the two-metre safe distance) advice and get together with people, you’re putting yourself and others at risk, your elderly relative, your friend with an underlying health condition,” added Trudeau.
“They need you to do your part. I’ve seen the pictures online of people who think they’re invisible. You’re not.”
Trudeau said the government is in the process of launching a new advertising campaign to get the message across to the seemingly thousands of Canadians who don’t think the social distancing applied to them.
The weekend saw shocking pictures across the country of thousands of people flocking to beaches and parks to enjoy the spring sunshine, apparently without a thought for the pleas from health officials to keep a safe distance.
Pressed by the media what powers the government might have to enforce a lockdown, Trudeau refused to be drawn.
“Much of the (Emergencies) act means power getting taken from the provinces, so that’s why we have to talk with them today.
“We’re speaking with the premiers this evening. We realize many have taken measures (already). There’s more that needs to be done.
“If we see that the measures are not being taken up, we can take action. We’re going to look very carefully at it. We haven’t taken anything off the table.
“We’re impressing on Canadians to do this of their own will.”
Talking of the advertising campaign, Trudeau said “Not having heard this message won’t be an excuse.
“Staying home is your way to serve. Our athletes are not going to Olympics. This was heartbreaking and everyone should follow their lead.”
Trudeau also announced a $5 billion lending package for farmers, while thanking everyone working in the food sector.
He also revealed a $192 million program for vaccine production and called on every college and polytechnic in the country to help with medical equipment and supplies.
“We need all hands on deck,” added Trudeau.
In Canada, there have been 1,550 reported cases of COVID-19, resulting in 21 deaths. Only 18 cases have fully recovered so far.
Globally, there have been 358,060 cases of the virus, resulting in 15,427 deaths. There has been more than 100,000 cases fully recovered.
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