Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his wife's COVID-19 symptoms remain mild, she will remain in isolation for the time being.
Trudeau says he will remain in self-isolation for 14 days. He has no symptoms he says, feeling good he says. He will work from home.
Trudeau repeats the announcements made at the news conference that happened just before he addressed the country. Includes recommendation that non-essential travel outside the country be cancelled, delays for cruise ship season, and airport changes.
Trudeau describes the response to COVID-19 as a Team Canada approach, working with provinces and territories on this issue.
Trudeau says no one should have to worry about paying rent, paying for child care, or getting groceries because of COVID-19. Says a significant fiscal stimulus package will be announced in the days to come.
Trudeau says Canada will be reducing the number of airports that will bring in international passengers in order to better streamline those passengers and assess them to ensure the safety of Canadians.
Trudeau says Canada is also looking at countries of origin and further measures that they can take. Will make decisions based on science, recommendations from health officials.
Trudeau says assessment criteria for future closures is completely based on recommendations from experts and healthcare professionals. Says he will follow their recommendations, won't rule out any possible step.
Trudeau says he does not want any Canadian to worry about whether or not they're going to be able to pay rent, buy groceries, or care for their kids, or elderly family members. Says they need to make sure Canadians have options to follow best health advice, and stay safe.
Trudeau says further fiscal security measures to come. Says they are looking at ways to get compensation directly to Canadians, particularly Canadians who will be hurt if they can't go to work. Also, small businesses.
Trudeau says the Minister of finance will announce new measures this afternoon on this front. Also new measures to be announced early next week.
Trudeau is asked about what happens with governing if he falls ill, members of cabinet fall ill, is there a contingency plan? Trudeau says there are contingency plans for ministers who are sick or even a prime minister who has fallen ill. Says for now he's working from home
Trudeau says health officials have told him that as long as he does not show any symptoms, there is no point in being tested. He says he's not had any symptoms.
Trudeau is asked if he's been transmitting the virus without knowing it, given that his wife has been diagnosed with COVID-19? Trudeau says according to health officials, since he does not have any symptoms, no one he's met in the past week is at risk of transmission from him.
Trudeau is asked what self isolation looks like for him and his family? Trudeau says he is in isolation as are his children. His wife is in quarantine.
Trudeau says his biggest concern is that Canadians continue to follow directions from public health authorities. Says he doesn't want people to panic, or take things too lightly. Says finding middle ground will be challenging, but he's confident Canadians will find it.
