Thread by @MercedesGlobal

PM announces expansion of CERB for those who have recently run out of EI, to include seasonal workers, and for those frontline workers who work a small number of hours that would disqualify them like volunteer firefighters #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

PM: The uncomfortable and tragic truth is that those places that care for our elderly are the most vulnerable to COVID19. Seniors who built this country. Will discuss wage boost for workers in seniors care homes with provinces #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

If you work and receive less than $1000 a month you now qualify for the CERB #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

If you have run out of EI since January 1st you can apply for the CERB as of now #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

PM also reveals that businesses struggling to make commercial rent will soon also have something for them #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

Govt of Quebec has sent a second request for help from the military for another remote community in the North, the Canadian Rangers are on their way to assist. #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

#Breaking The federal govt is launching a portal for mental health resources on the Canada COVID19 app or canada.ca website to speak to someone #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

On testing - Lumin (sp) Ultra (NB company) is increasing production to make sufficient reagents to meet demand for COVID19 tests. Govt has a new batch of swabs so all provinces can keep testing. PM says tomorrow he will speak with G7 leaders on coordinating a strong response

On when things will get back to normal - PM says they don't know exactly when that will happen but notes critical thing is for everyone to stay at home #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

First question: are members of the Armed Forces ready to be deployed to long term care homes to help?
PM: talks with provinces are ongoing. There is a portal where ppl with medical experience and volunteer. Continue to work w Quebec on request for more resources #cdnpoli

Reporter: but you didn't answer the question... in addition can you have the Army help with serving meals or picking up waste? What are you doing right now?
PM: we are working w Quebec, recognize they have needs. Working w provinces for resources they need. Does not answer on CAF

Q: What do you think about President Trump's decision to suspend funding to the WHO?
PM: One of the most impt thing is for Cda to work with local and international experts. Does not answer on Trump. #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

Q: You've been promising cooperation with the parol board, talking about doing something on prisons. Is there any announcement coming on inmates re COVID19?
PM: we have taken significants steps protect incarcerated population. Continuing to step up efforts #cdnpoli #COVID19

Q: Guidance last week said Corrections Officers need masks. Are you meeting those guidelines? Have you abandoned the idea of releasing federal inmates?
PM: there have been a reduction in transfers and things that could put ppl at risk. Looking at if more needed

PM is asked again if he shares concerns that China was not forthcoming with the WHO. PM repeats variation of previous answer saying there will be time to reflect on challenges in the past, how countries performed, focus now is on helping Cdns.

PM is asked if he can spell out what a return to work looks like in any kind of detail
PM: we need to get through first wave before we start bringing in some of the release of social distancing and that will range from region to region and industry to industry. #cdnpoli #COVID19

PM is emphatic "It will be weeks more" before restrictions lift, says "It would be terrible" if restrictions lifted too soon and COVID came back saying it would mean "everything we've gone through up to now would be for nothing" #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

PM is asked if testing will be used to allow people to return to work.
PM: massive, rapid testing with very aggressive contact tracing and being extremely quick to respond to future outbreaks will be essential
#cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

PM animatedly says that people are getting excited about reopening this or that, but doing so too soon means that all would be for naught. PM then says they will reopen economy when experts say so - note - so far they have relied on health experts alone for this not economic too

That reliance is creating an interesting discussion around the role of expert advice vs experts as the final authority and the political risks both to the govt and to those experts with the current approach #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus

Q from @globalnews if your mother was in a long term care facility right now, what would you do?
PM: can't imagine suffering of families who can't visit, fear of seniors who are isolated. Things we need to focus on. Will speak about how feds can support provinces on sr care

PM does not answer what he would do if his mother were in a long term care home. Does say the feds want to find a way to support care workers making very low salaries along with support of provinces #cdnpoli #COVID19 #coronavirus