The latest developments on COVID-19 in Canada

Mar 15, 2020 | 9:16 AM

The latest news on the COVID-19 global pandemic (all times Eastern):

 

11:30 a.m.

Nova Scotia has confirmed its first three presumptive cases of COVID-19.

Public health officials say the individuals have been notified and are in self-isolation.

The province says all three cases are related to travel.

 

11:20

Ontario is reporting 39 new cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Government figures suggest the majority of the cases are concentrated in southern Ontario.

The total number of cases in the province currently stands at 142, with five classified as resolved.

 

11:10 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he hasn’t been tested for COVID-19 on the advice of public health officials.

In an interview with CTV’s Question Period, Trudeau says he’s not showing any symptoms of the illness.

He says officials are urging people in his position not to get tested, and so he would prefer to see testing kits reserved for people who are showing symptoms.

Trudeau’s wife, Sophie, tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday after she returned from a trip to London, U.K.

 

11 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says nothing is off the table when it comes to the next phase of Canada’s response to the spread of COVID-19.

Trudeau tells CTV’s Question Period that a discussion about border closures or mandatory screening of all returning travellers will be part of a cabinet meeting today.

Travellers returning to Canada have reported long lines at airports with minimal precautions being taken to slow the spread of the virus.

Trudeau says Canada Border Services Agency is bringing in new measures but did not provide details.

 

10:10 a.m.

The president of France says all G-7 leaders will be holding a meeting to co-ordinate an economic response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Emmanuel Macron announced the planned teleconference in a tweet, but did not offer further details.

Canada is part of the G-7, along with the United States, France, Italy, Britain, Japan and Germany.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not made any statements about a G-7 leaders’ meeting.

 

10 a.m.

A fundraiser for hourly employees at the Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome has raised more than $39,000 after the venue owner told hourly staff they won’t be paid for shifts lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Raymond Lau, who started the fundraiser, is criticizing Calgary Sports and Entertainment for not paying employees when other sports organizations are doing so.

Flames players Milan Lucic, Sam Bennett and Zac Rinaldo, along with the wives of players TJ Brodie and Mark Giordano, have contributed to the Calgary fundraiser so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Canadian Press