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How Far Can Canada Go to Slow Spread of the New Coronavirus? How Far Can Canada Go to Slow Spread of the New Coronavirus?
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It’s well beyond the space limitations of this newsletter to summarize the new coronavirus developments of the last week internationally, let alone in Canada. Here at The Times, we’ve been drawing on our journalists around the world to produce a steady flow of reporting on the health crisis.It’s well beyond the space limitations of this newsletter to summarize the new coronavirus developments of the last week internationally, let alone in Canada. Here at The Times, we’ve been drawing on our journalists around the world to produce a steady flow of reporting on the health crisis.
[Read: The Times’s latest coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.][Read: The Times’s latest coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.]
Please note, and spread the word, that The Times is providing free access to our coverage of the outbreak.Please note, and spread the word, that The Times is providing free access to our coverage of the outbreak.
Canada, of course, has been hit two ways. Aside from the infections, one death and rapidly multiplying postponements and cancellations, there has been extraordinary turmoil in financial markets. And the already sickly oil industry was pummeled by price drops that were intensified because of a coincident feud between Saudi Arabia and Russia.Canada, of course, has been hit two ways. Aside from the infections, one death and rapidly multiplying postponements and cancellations, there has been extraordinary turmoil in financial markets. And the already sickly oil industry was pummeled by price drops that were intensified because of a coincident feud between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
It was an extraordinary day here in Ottawa on Friday. First, the House of Commons voted unanimously to suspend its session until April 20. Then, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held an outdoor news conference in front of his official residence, with journalists kept at a distance. After his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus, Mr. Trudeau, who said he is in full health, has voluntarily isolated himself for two weeks.It was an extraordinary day here in Ottawa on Friday. First, the House of Commons voted unanimously to suspend its session until April 20. Then, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held an outdoor news conference in front of his official residence, with journalists kept at a distance. After his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus, Mr. Trudeau, who said he is in full health, has voluntarily isolated himself for two weeks.
The prime minister, members of his cabinet and public health officials both in Ottawa and in several provinces outlined a variety of new restrictions and closings during the day. While everyone accepts that the coronavirus is here and likely to spread, the current hope is to slow the growth rate of infections. The Opinion side of The Times has created an interactive graphic showing how various measures can “flatten” the infection growth curve. It uses the United States as an example, but its principles apply to Canada as well.The prime minister, members of his cabinet and public health officials both in Ottawa and in several provinces outlined a variety of new restrictions and closings during the day. While everyone accepts that the coronavirus is here and likely to spread, the current hope is to slow the growth rate of infections. The Opinion side of The Times has created an interactive graphic showing how various measures can “flatten” the infection growth curve. It uses the United States as an example, but its principles apply to Canada as well.
The empty schools, theaters, sports venues, libraries and other public facilities across the country raise a big question: How far can the government go? If necessary, can Canada be locked down the way Italy is currently?The empty schools, theaters, sports venues, libraries and other public facilities across the country raise a big question: How far can the government go? If necessary, can Canada be locked down the way Italy is currently?
To find some answers, I spoke with Steven Hoffman, a professor of global health, law and political science at York University in Toronto.To find some answers, I spoke with Steven Hoffman, a professor of global health, law and political science at York University in Toronto.
The federal government’s main tool, he told me, is the Quarantine Act, which was updated in 2005 after the SARS outbreak.The federal government’s main tool, he told me, is the Quarantine Act, which was updated in 2005 after the SARS outbreak.
“The powers it gives are quite extraordinary,” Professor Hoffman said. It allows the minister of health to declare any building in Canada, even a private home, a quarantine zone; enables public health officials to question and examine anyone entering the country; and can even force people to accept medical treatment.“The powers it gives are quite extraordinary,” Professor Hoffman said. It allows the minister of health to declare any building in Canada, even a private home, a quarantine zone; enables public health officials to question and examine anyone entering the country; and can even force people to accept medical treatment.
It’s the law the government has used to quarantine cruise ship passengers who have been flown home as well as Canadians who were repatriated from the epicenter of the outbreak in China.It’s the law the government has used to quarantine cruise ship passengers who have been flown home as well as Canadians who were repatriated from the epicenter of the outbreak in China.
He said that during the current situation, the terminology around this issue was often getting muddled up. Under public health laws, quarantine refers to people like Mr. Trudeau. They have been in close contact with infected people but they are not apparently infected. People who have tested positive for the virus and who have retreated to their homes, like Ms. Grégoire Trudeau, are in isolation.He said that during the current situation, the terminology around this issue was often getting muddled up. Under public health laws, quarantine refers to people like Mr. Trudeau. They have been in close contact with infected people but they are not apparently infected. People who have tested positive for the virus and who have retreated to their homes, like Ms. Grégoire Trudeau, are in isolation.
In Canada only the federal government can order quarantine, Professor Hoffman said. Provinces are limited to isolating infected patients.In Canada only the federal government can order quarantine, Professor Hoffman said. Provinces are limited to isolating infected patients.
Canada, he said, is taking the right approach in concentrating on slowing the spread of the virus “but it needs to be done in an appropriate and precise way.”Canada, he said, is taking the right approach in concentrating on slowing the spread of the virus “but it needs to be done in an appropriate and precise way.”
He doesn’t anticipate that we’ll see anything like quarantine orders being issued for entire cities, provinces or regions. Although Quebec’s premier François Legault mused this week that a quarantine for the island of Montreal might be necessary at some point.He doesn’t anticipate that we’ll see anything like quarantine orders being issued for entire cities, provinces or regions. Although Quebec’s premier François Legault mused this week that a quarantine for the island of Montreal might be necessary at some point.
The powers in the Quarantine Act, Professor Hoffman said, have to be balanced against the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the constitution. In that test, he said, shutting down an entire city or region would likely be declared illegal by courts “because it is not proportional to the risk involved.”The powers in the Quarantine Act, Professor Hoffman said, have to be balanced against the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the constitution. In that test, he said, shutting down an entire city or region would likely be declared illegal by courts “because it is not proportional to the risk involved.”
There is a wild card in all of this, however. Governments in other countries in similar circumstances in the past have introduced illegal measures during crisis situations, banking on the hope that no court would overturn them until the emergency was over.There is a wild card in all of this, however. Governments in other countries in similar circumstances in the past have introduced illegal measures during crisis situations, banking on the hope that no court would overturn them until the emergency was over.
“It’s illegal, it’s not good, but it happens,” he said.“It’s illegal, it’s not good, but it happens,” he said.
Dan Bilefsky profiled four women whose lives and careers have been affected by Quebec’s ban on the wearing of religious symbols while on the job for schoolteachers, police officers, prosecutors and other government employees. The article, illustrated with some exceptional portraits by photographer Nasuna Stuart-Ulin, has provoked a lot of discussion on Facebook and elsewhere.Dan Bilefsky profiled four women whose lives and careers have been affected by Quebec’s ban on the wearing of religious symbols while on the job for schoolteachers, police officers, prosecutors and other government employees. The article, illustrated with some exceptional portraits by photographer Nasuna Stuart-Ulin, has provoked a lot of discussion on Facebook and elsewhere.
“It’s a nasty law, pandering to the very worst of Quebecois isolationism,” James I. Hymas wrote. “A civilized government does not persecute its minorities.” Updated June 24, 2020
Updated June 22, 2020 Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. “It’s a nasty law, pandering to the very worst of Quebecois isolationism,” James I. Hymas wrote. “A civilized government does not persecute its minorities.”
But other readers supported the measure.But other readers supported the measure.
“If your religious convictions take precedence over your position as a representative of the government, then you should look for another career,” Ben Schreibman wrote.“If your religious convictions take precedence over your position as a representative of the government, then you should look for another career,” Ben Schreibman wrote.
If you haven’t done so, please read Dan’s article and let us know what you think.If you haven’t done so, please read Dan’s article and let us know what you think.
[Read: A Quebec Ban on Religious Symbols Upends Lives and Careers][Read: A Quebec Ban on Religious Symbols Upends Lives and Careers]
It was a rare retreat for the Google tech empire. Sidewalk Labs, a sibling company of the search engine giant, has drastically pulled back on its proposed sensor-laden, algorithm-optimized city of tomorrow on a piece of derelict waterfront land in Toronto. Its step back was driven by fierce opposition. And one of the most fierce critics has been Jim Balsillie who, as co-chief executive of BlackBerry, helped make Canada into a global smartphone powerhouse. He also was still at the top when the company crumbled in the face of competition from Apple and Google. I wrote frequently about Mr. Balsillie during BlackBerry’s glory day. When we met again to discuss Sidewalk Labs, he showed that he hadn’t abandoned his blunt spoken approach to issues. “I smoked them out,” he said of Sidewalk Labs. “They were playing us like a bunch of colonial supplicants and suckers.”It was a rare retreat for the Google tech empire. Sidewalk Labs, a sibling company of the search engine giant, has drastically pulled back on its proposed sensor-laden, algorithm-optimized city of tomorrow on a piece of derelict waterfront land in Toronto. Its step back was driven by fierce opposition. And one of the most fierce critics has been Jim Balsillie who, as co-chief executive of BlackBerry, helped make Canada into a global smartphone powerhouse. He also was still at the top when the company crumbled in the face of competition from Apple and Google. I wrote frequently about Mr. Balsillie during BlackBerry’s glory day. When we met again to discuss Sidewalk Labs, he showed that he hadn’t abandoned his blunt spoken approach to issues. “I smoked them out,” he said of Sidewalk Labs. “They were playing us like a bunch of colonial supplicants and suckers.”
[Read: You Can’t Fight City Hall. But Maybe You Can Fight Google.][Read: You Can’t Fight City Hall. But Maybe You Can Fight Google.]
A native of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Times for the past 16 years. Follow him on Twitter at @ianrausten.A native of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Times for the past 16 years. Follow him on Twitter at @ianrausten.
We’re eager to have your thoughts about this newsletter and events in Canada in general. Please send them to nytcanada@nytimes.com.We’re eager to have your thoughts about this newsletter and events in Canada in general. Please send them to nytcanada@nytimes.com.
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