Covid-19 Ottawa:
A man in his 20’s who recently traveled to the United States is the only new confirmed, Covid-19 case in Ottawa Wednesday. The man is now in self-isolation.
There are now 14 confirmed cases in our city.
Covid-19 Ontario/Quebec:
The province is reporting 23 new cases across Ontario today, bringing the total to 212. All of these new patients are now self-isolating.
Meanwhile, the province is working to fix technical issues with the Telehealth line, which you are asked to call if you are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus.
Quebec is reporting 20 new cases, including the first confirmed patient in the Outaouais.
Financial Help Ottawa:
Mayor Jim Watson and other city officials are working to ease some of the financial hardship many are facing in light of Covid-19. Watson announced that the interim property tax deadline has been moved to April 15. He also plans to table a motion at next week’s council meeting to create a Property Tax Deferral Program, that would help property and small business owners who have experienced a financial hit from the pandemic.
Financial Help Federal:
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Canada-US border will close to non-essential travelers in a matter of days or hours. Closing the border to all but essential commerce, health care workers and returning snowbirds was one of today’s major announcements from the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parliament will be recalled next week to pass 82-billion-dollars worth of new economic measures announced this morning that are designed to help workers, parents and businesses. The measures include increasing Canada Child Benefit payments and providing a wage subsidy for small businesses to help them pay staff during the pandemic.
The government is also pausing Canada Student Loan payments for six months and establishing emergency benefits for people who don’t qualify for employment insurance.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced a $305 million distinctions-based Community Support Fund for Indigenous communities. The money will cover the immediate needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Communities.
Covid-19 University Dorms:
Some universities, including the University of Ottawa, are asking students to move out of their dorms due to COVID-19. The U of O says everyone except international students and those with “exceptional circumstances” has to be out by Sunday afternoon.
Sports:
We still don’t know which member of the Ottawa Senators has tested positive for Covid-19. However, the team released a follow-up statement today that says, “The Ottawa Senators’ medical team is actively monitoring players and staff and following all appropriate and professional guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of our employees and the greater community.”
And the OHL, and WHL have joined the QMJHL in canceling the rest of the 2019/2020 season.
ELMNT FM Weather:
Mainly cloudy tonight, dropping to an overnight low of -2.
Mostly cloudy tomorrow as well, with a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. We’ll enjoy a mild high of 8 degrees.