COVID-19 pandemic in Canada#By age

{{Further|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada}}

On January 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, reported to the WHO on December 31, 2019.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Novel Coronavirus Information Center |url=https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130171622/https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center |archive-date=January 30, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |website=Elsevier Connect}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Reynolds |first=Matt |date=March 4, 2020 |title=What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic? |magazine=Wired UK |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305104806/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/china-coronavirus |archive-date=March 5, 2020 |issn=1357-0978}}

The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 was much lower than SARS of 2003,{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Crunching the numbers for coronavirus |url=https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319084913/https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196137/crunching-numbers-coronavirus/ |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |website=Imperial News|date=March 13, 2020 }}{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=High consequence infectious diseases (HCID); Guidance and information about high consequence infectious diseases and their management in England |url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303051938/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/high-consequence-infectious-diseases-hcid |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2020 |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom}} but the transmission was significantly greater, with a significant death toll.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=World Federation Of Societies of Anaesthesiologists – Coronavirus |url=https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312233527/https://www.wfsahq.org/resources/coronavirus |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |website=wfsahq.org}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Canada cases by province}}

{{Clear}}

On January 1, 2020, the WHO set up the IMST (Incident Management Support Team) across all three levels of the organization: headquarters, regional headquarters and country-level, putting the organization on an emergency footing for dealing with the outbreak.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Archived: WHO Timeline - COVID-19 |url=https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/27-04-2020-who-timeline---covid-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429012212/https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/27-04-2020-who-timeline---covid-19 |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=June 20, 2020 |publisher=World Health Organization}}

On January 7, when it appeared that there was a health crisis emerging in Wuhan, Public Health Canada advised travelers to China to avoid contact with animals, noting that they were very carefully monitoring the situation. Still there was no evidence of what caused the illness, or how it spread.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Favaro |first=Avis |title=Canadian health authority warns travelers over mysterious illness sickening dozens in China |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/canadian-health-authority-warns-travellers-over-mysterious-illness-sickening-dozens-in-china-1.4757617 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822163302/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/canadian-health-authority-warns-travellers-over-mysterious-illness-sickening-dozens-in-china-1.4757617 |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |access-date=May 16, 2020 |website=CTV News|date=January 7, 2020 }}

On January 15, the federal government activated its Emergency Operations Centre.

On January 17, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicated plans were in progress "to implement signage" in the Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver airports to raise awareness of the virus. An additional health screening question added to the electronic kiosks for passengers arriving from central China. The agency noted the overall risk to Canadians was low, and there were no direct flights from Wuhan to Canada. The CBSA said it would not be, at that time, implementing extra screening measures, but would "monitor the situation closely".{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=January 17, 2020 |title=Canada to screen central China travelers for virus at 3 airports |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6429892/canada-china-virus-airports |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118133820/https://globalnews.ca/news/6429892/canada-china-virus-airports/ |archive-date=January 18, 2020 |access-date=January 22, 2020 |website=Globalnews.ca |publisher=Corus Entertainment}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=January 18, 2020 |title=China reports 4 more cases of new strain of coronavirus |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/thailand-china-coronavirus-1.5432108 |url-status=live |access-date=January 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118164802/https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/thailand-china-coronavirus-1.5432108 |archive-date=January 18, 2020}}

On January 23, the federal Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu, said they were monitoring five or six people for signs of the virus.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=January 28, 2020 |title=Coronavirus 2019-nCoV – Professionnels de la santé – MSSS |url=https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/maladies-infectieuses/coronavirus-2019-ncov/#situation-au-quebec |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127234953/https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/maladies-infectieuses/coronavirus-2019-ncov/#situation-au-quebec |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |access-date=January 29, 2020 |website=Government of Quebec |language=fr}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=January 23, 2020 |title=Several people in Canada being monitored for signs of coronavirus: Health minister |agency=CTV News |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/several-people-in-canada-being-monitored-for-signs-of-coronavirus-health-minister-1.4780101 |url-status=live |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124005938/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/several-people-in-canada-being-monitored-for-signs-of-coronavirus-health-minister-1.4780101 |archive-date=January 24, 2020}} That same day, the chief public health officer of Canada, Theresa Tam, was a member of the WHO committee that broadcast that it was too early to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Initially, Canada faced a shortage of personal protective equipment, as the Trudeau government had reduced PPE funding as a cost-cutting measure in previous years.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Walsh|first=Marieke|date=2020-04-22|title=Canada cut number of stockpile storage locations for critical medical supplies by one third in past two years|language=en-CA|work=The Globe and Mail|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-cut-number-of-stockpile-storage-locations-for-critical-medical/|access-date=2022-02-22}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Trudeau vows Canada's PPE stockpile policies will be overhauled to prevent waste - National {{!}} Globalnews.ca|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6844277/coronavirus-trudeau-stockpile-waste/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Global News|language=en-US}}

{{Main|Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Canada medical cases chart}}{{Clear}}{{anchor|COVID chart}}

{{excerpt |COVID-19 vaccination in Canada| paragraph=2,3}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Canada vaccinations by province}}

On December 26, 2020, Ontario announced that two cases of the B.1.1.7 variant had been found in Durham.{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-confirms-first-cases-covid19-uk-variant-1.5855361|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|title=Ontario Confirms First cases of covid-19 UK variant|access-date=July 13, 2021}} On January 8, 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that the first case of the South African variant had been found in Alberta.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7564615/alberta-covid-19-cases-january-8/|title=Alberta Covid-19 Cases January 8|website=Global News|access-date=July 13, 2021}} On February 8, CTV reported that the first case of the P.1 variant out of Brazil had been detected in Toronto.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/third-variant-detected-in-canada-prompting-concern-from-health-experts-1.5301135|title=Third variant detected in Canada prompting concern from health experts|website=CTV News|date=February 8, 2021|access-date=July 13, 2021}} On April 21, the B.C. Ministry of Health announced that they had seen cases of B.1.617 as early as April 4.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7779311/double-mutant-covid-19-variant-cases-confirmed-bc/|title=Double Mutanat Covid-19 Confirmed cases in BC|website=Global News|access-date=July 13, 2021}} On May 14, Canada added B.1.617 (including what is now known as Delta) to its variants of concern. On May 31, 2021, WHO announced that the variant B.1.1.7 was being renamed Alpha, P.1 Gamma, B.1.617.2 Delta and B.1.351 Beta.

Early evidence out of Alberta{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.alberta.ca/stats/covid-19-alberta-statistics.htm#vaccine-outcomes|title=Vaccine outcomes|website=Government of Alberta|access-date=July 13, 2021}} suggested that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines would continue to be effective against death or hospitalization from the Alpha and Gamma variants. A study in Ontario found that the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective to prevent hospitalization or death from the Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants 7 days after the second dose.{{Cite medRxiv |title=Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against variants of concern, Canada |first1=Sharifa |last1=Nasreen |first2=Siyi |last2=He |first3=Hannah |last3=Chung |first4=Kevin A. |last4=Brown |first5=Jonathan B. |last5=Gubbay |first6=Sarah A. |last6=Buchan |first7=Sarah E. |last7=Wilson |first8=Maria E. |last8=Sundaram |first9=Deshayne B. |last9=Fell |first10=Branson |last10=Chen |first11=Andrew |last11=Calzavara |first12=Peter C. |last12=Austin |first13=Kevin L. |last13=Schwartz |first14=Mina |last14=Tadrous |first15=Kumanan |last15=Wilson |first16=Jeffrey C. |last16=Kwong |first17=on behalf of the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) Provincial Collaborative Network (PCN) |last17=Investigators |date=July 3, 2021 |medrxiv=10.1101/2021.06.28.21259420v1}} Moderna was 94% effective against Alpha 7 days after the 2nd dose. Moderna appeared to be highly effective against Delta.

A preprint study from epidemiologists David Fisman and Ashleigh Tuite, at the University of Toronto, found that the Delta variant had a 120% greater risk of hospitalization, 287% greater risk of ICU admission and 137% greater risk of death compared to non-variant of concern strains of SARS-COV-2.{{#invoke:Cite|journal|access-date=May 10, 2024|date=May 10, 2024|first1=David|first2=Ashleigh|last1=Fisman|last2=Tuite|title=Progressive Increase in Virulence of Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Ontario, Canada|url=https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.07.05.21260050v2|website=medrxiv|doi=10.1101/2021.07.05.21260050|s2cid=235756602}}

Over the five years (2020-2024), five main variants have been recorded, with hundreds of different lineages, sublineages, recombinants, and mutations.

{{quote box| width=250px| border=1px| align=right| bgcolor=#F5F5DC| quote=As the people of Canada experience profound and rapid changes to their lives, we are all concerned about the future. It may be difficult to remain hopeful when faced with loss and uncertainty, but Canadians have many reasons for optimism, even in the most trying times.

Across Canada, countless people continue to care for the most vulnerable and to provide essential services for their fellow citizens. I am thankful for their dedication and for the hope it offers.

In the coming weeks and months, the people of Canada will need to continue to work together to ensure the health and vitality of our communities. I know that Canadians will remain optimistic and will rise to the challenges ahead.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Canada at this time."{{citation| url=https://www.gg.ca/en/media/news/2020/message-her-majesty-queen-people-canada-covid-19-pandemic| author=Office of the Governor General of Canada| title=Message from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Canada on the COVID-19 pandemic| date=5 April 2020| publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada| access-date=6 August 2022| archive-date=August 6, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806201918/https://www.gg.ca/en/media/news/2020/message-her-majesty-queen-people-canada-covid-19-pandemic| url-status=live}}| salign=right| source=Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, April 5, 2020}}

The federal government activated its Emergency Operations Centre on January 15, 2020.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 15, 2020 |title=Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125011050/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=February 26, 2020 |website=Public Health Agency of Canada}} The federal government's pandemic response was based on two primary documents: the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness planning guidelines, which outlines risks and measures to address a viral disease,{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=December 8, 2006 |title=Table of Contents: Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Planning Guidance for the Health Sector |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/flu-influenza/canadian-pandemic-influenza-preparedness-planning-guidance-health-sector/table-of-contents.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310125929/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/flu-influenza/canadian-pandemic-influenza-preparedness-planning-guidance-health-sector/table-of-contents.html |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |publisher=Canada.ca}} and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Public Health Response Plan for Biological Events, which includes identifying, tracking, and ensuring rapid access to medical care.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 4, 2018 |title=Federal/Provincial/Territorial Public Health Response Plan for Biological Events |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/emergency-preparedness/public-health-response-plan-biological-events.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306054242/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/emergency-preparedness/public-health-response-plan-biological-events.html |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |publisher=Canada.ca}} By February 27, the response plan was at level 3 (escalated).{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=February 27, 2020 |title=Canada's COVID-19 plans could include closing schools, cancelling events, but we're 'not there yet' - National |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6605073/pandemic-plans-canada-coronavirus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228123333/https://globalnews.ca/news/6605073/pandemic-plans-canada-coronavirus/ |archive-date=February 28, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |publisher=Globalnews.ca}}

On March 18, the federal Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu, announced that the federal government had signed an interim order to speed up access to COVID-19 test kits that would allow provincial labs to increase testing. The test kits were made by Switzerland-based Roche Molecular Systems and Thermo Fisher Scientific.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Boynton |first=Sean |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Health minister signs order for faster access to COVID-19 test kits |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6698728/coronavirus-canada-test-kits-order/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320000916/https://globalnews.ca/news/6698728/coronavirus-canada-test-kits-order/ |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=Global News}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 18, 2020 |title=Health Canada expedites access to COVID-19 diagnostic laboratory test kits and other medical devices |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/03/health-canada-expedites-access-to-covid-19-diagnostic-laboratory-test-kits-and-other-medical-devices.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320161407/https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/03/health-canada-expedites-access-to-covid-19-diagnostic-laboratory-test-kits-and-other-medical-devices.html |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 21, 2020 |website=Health Canada news release}}

Several research projects were provided federal funding to develop and implement measures to detect, manage, and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. On March 11, Trudeau announced $275 million in funding for 47 projects. On March 19, the federal government announced funding for an additional 49 projects to bring the total to 96.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Trudeau announces $1B coronavirus response fund for provinces, territories |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6659384/coronavirus-funding-trudeau/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312171555/https://globalnews.ca/news/6659384/coronavirus-funding-trudeau/ |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020 |website=Global News}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 19, 2020 |title=Government of Canada funds 49 additional COVID-19 research projects |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-funds-49-additional-covid-19-research-projects.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319232608/https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-funds-49-additional-covid-19-research-projects.html |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |access-date=March 19, 2020 |website=Government of Canada news release}}

On March 20, Trudeau stated that the National Research Council would work with small- and medium-sized companies on health research to fight the virus, as part of the announcement on Canada's industrial strategy (see below).{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Fife |first=Robert |date=March 20, 2020 |title=Ottawa announces COVID-19 funds for industry to produce medical equipment |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ottawa-announces-covid-19-funds-for-industry-to-produce-medical/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321111225/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ottawa-announces-covid-19-funds-for-industry-to-produce-medical/ |archive-date=March 21, 2020}}

File:Physical distancing in Toronto at Shoppers Drug Mart - 20200412.jpg in Toronto with limited number of shoppers allowed inside the store.]]

On March 23, Theresa Tam began appearing in public service announcements on radio and television, urging personal hygiene, social distancing, and against unnecessary travel.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 22, 2020 |title=Feds launch ad campaign urging social distancing, hygiene during COVID-19 crisis |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/feds-launch-ad-campaign-urging-social-distancing-hygiene-during-covid-19-crisis-1.4863845 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327034956/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/feds-launch-ad-campaign-urging-social-distancing-hygiene-during-covid-19-crisis-1.4863845 |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |website=CTV News }}

On April 6, Tam began to suggest that the use of non-medical face masks in public could be an "additional measure" of protection. She stated to "protect others around you in situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain", but that this is not proven to protect the wearer and is considered complementary to all existing health guidance issued thus far.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Coronavirus: Wearing non-medical masks will help others but not you, Tam says |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6782934/coronavirus-non-medical-masks-community-covid-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417000330/https://globalnews.ca/news/6782934/coronavirus-non-medical-masks-community-covid-19/ |archive-date=April 17, 2020 |access-date=May 4, 2020 |website=Global News}}

In response to backlogs in COVID-19 testing, especially provinces like Ontario, Health Canada approved new rapid testing for the virus.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7380891/canada-coronavirus-antigen-rapid-test/|title=Health Canada approves first antigen rapid test for coronavirus|website=Global News}}

On November 3, the Public Health Agency of Canada started recommended that people wear non-medical masks with three layers including a filter.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/another-layer-of-protection-feds-now-recommend-three-layer-masks-with-filters-1.5172995|title='Another layer of protection': Feds now recommend three-layer masks with filters|website=CTV News|date=November 3, 2020}} Tam said that "living with COVID-19 is something that we have to do because it's not going to immediately disappear and the population doesn't have much immunity", and went on to say that "If cases do occur and accelerate in a community, then you have to get at it early because if you let it, the virus and the numbers accelerate and keep accelerating...you will then end up with more widespread closures. So, I think as cities or hotspots cool down, if you like, the restart needs to be carefully thought of."{{#invoke:Cite|web| url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-s-top-doctor-says-it-is-time-to-learn-to-live-with-covid-19-1.5172031 | title=Ottawa's top doctor says it is time to learn to live with COVID-19 | date=November 2, 2020 }}

{{main|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care facilities}}

File:SunriseOfUnionvilleThankYouHeros.jpg]]

Long-term care homes were impacted heavily by the pandemic. On April 13, Tam reported that at least half of COVID-19 deaths in Canada were linked to long-term care homes (with the exact number varying by province), and that those deaths would continue to increase even as the transmission rate decreased.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Coronavirus: Ontario Nurses' Association calls work conditions in care homes 'unfathomable' |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6820516/coronavirus-ontario-nurses-association-long-term-care-homes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421144648/https://globalnews.ca/news/6820516/coronavirus-ontario-nurses-association-long-term-care-homes/ |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=Global News}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Nearly half of Canada's COVID-19 deaths linked to long-term care facilities: Tam |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6811726/coronavirus-long-term-care-deaths-canada/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413192147/https://globalnews.ca/news/6811726/coronavirus-long-term-care-deaths-canada/ |archive-date=April 13, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=Global News}} Tam cited factors such as outside visitors, communal living spaces, and staff being transferred among multiple facilities as particular vulnerabilities.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=April 16, 2020 |title=COVID-19 impact on seniors' homes 'far more severe' than feared: PM |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-impact-on-seniors-homes-far-more-severe-than-feared-pm-1.4898939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420010229/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/covid-19-impact-on-seniors-homes-far-more-severe-than-feared-pm-1.4898939 |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=CTV News}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=April 13, 2020 |title=Nearly half of known COVID-19 deaths in Canada linked to long-term care homes: Tam |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/nearly-half-of-known-covid-19-deaths-in-canada-linked-to-long-term-care-homes-tam-1.4893419 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419171400/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/nearly-half-of-known-covid-19-deaths-in-canada-linked-to-long-term-care-homes-tam-1.4893419 |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=CTV News}} The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing staffing issues at some facilities, including underpaid staff and being understaffed in general.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 14, 2020 |title='Recipe for disaster': Why advocates say long-term care homes need more than new national guidelines |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/recipe-for-disaster-why-advocates-say-long-term-care-homes-need-more-than-new-national-guidelines-1.4895269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419152834/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/recipe-for-disaster-why-advocates-say-long-term-care-homes-need-more-than-new-national-guidelines-1.4895269 |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=CTV News}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Bilefsky |first=Dan |date=April 17, 2020 |title=How Can It Happen Here? The Shocking Deaths in Canada's Long-Term Care Homes |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/world/canada/canada-coronavirus.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419233446/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/world/canada/canada-coronavirus.html |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |issn=0362-4331}} On April 28, Tam stated that as many as 79 percent of Canada's COVID-19 fatalities occurred in long-term care homes.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Weeks |first=Carly |date=April 28, 2020 |title=Long-term care home staff, residents struggling with restrictive COVID-19 policies |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-long-term-care-home-staff-residents-struggling-with-restrictive-covid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430025524/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-long-term-care-home-staff-residents-struggling-with-restrictive-covid/ |archive-date=April 30, 2020 |access-date=May 2, 2020 |website=The Globe and Mail}}

Health Canada issued recommendations for long-term care homes. They were encouraged to restrict outside visitors and volunteers, restrict employees from being transferred between multiple facilities, provide personal protective equipment, enforce physical distancing during meals, screen staff and essential visitors. On April 15, Trudeau announced that the federal government planned to provide additional pay to long-term care workers.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Long-term care homes with the most coronavirus deaths in Canada |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6828045/long-term-care-homes-most-coronavirus-deaths-canada/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421052904/https://globalnews.ca/news/6828045/long-term-care-homes-most-coronavirus-deaths-canada/ |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=Global News}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Trudeau looks to support long-term care workers, boost wages for essential workers |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6820797/trudeau-long-term-care-workers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419135905/https://globalnews.ca/news/6820797/trudeau-long-term-care-workers/ |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=Global News}}

{{main|Operation Laser}}

In April 2020, the Department of National Defence gave the provinces the option to get Canadian Armed Forces assistance in combating the pandemic in long-term care facilities. Quebec was the first to act, with military personnel arriving on April 17.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 17, 2020 |title=Feds to deploy over 100 soldiers to Quebec's long-term care homes |url=https://dailyhive.com/montreal/armed-forces-quebec-care-homes |work=Daily Hive }} Ontario responded next, with Premier Doug Ford requesting military aid on April 22.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Pugliese |first=David |date=April 22, 2020 |title=Canadian military asked to provide medical personnel to help Ontario long-term care homes |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-military-getting-ready-to-provide-medical-personnel-to-ontario-long-term-care-homes/ |work=Ottawa Citizen}}

On March 14, Canada recommended against any international travel and advised those returning from outside of Canada, except for essential workers (such as flight crew), to self-isolate for 14 days.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 14, 2020 |title=Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada |url=https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314225808/https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221 |archive-date=March 14, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |website=Government of Canada website}} The Quarantine Act was invoked by Hajdu on March 26, making self-isolation a legal mandate for travelers (excluding essential workers) returning to the country. It also prohibits those who are symptomatic from using public transit as transport to their place of self-isolation, and prohibiting self-isolation in settings where they may come in contact with those who are vulnerable (people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly).{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Dunham |first=Jackie |date=March 25, 2020 |title=Travellers returning home must enter mandatory self-isolation: health minister |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/travellers-returning-home-must-enter-mandatory-self-isolation-health-minister-1.4867749 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325180528/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/travellers-returning-home-must-enter-mandatory-self-isolation-health-minister-1.4867749 |archive-date=March 25, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2020 |website=CTV News}}

Starting March 16, only Canadian citizens and their immediate families, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens were allowed to enter the country. The only exceptions were flight crews, diplomats, and trade and commerce. Travellers showing COVID-19 symptoms were not allowed to board flights into Canada, regardless of their citizenship.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Harris |first=Kathleen |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Canada to bar entry to travellers who are not citizens, permanent residents or Americans |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbsa-border-airports-screening-trudeau-covid19-coronavirus-1.5498866 |url-status=live |access-date=March 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719210119/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbsa-border-airports-screening-trudeau-covid19-coronavirus-1.5498866 |archive-date=July 19, 2020}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Canada restricting who can enter the country due to COVID-19: PM Trudeau |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-restricting-who-can-enter-the-country-due-to-covid-19-pm-trudeau-1.4854503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316180150/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-restricting-who-can-enter-the-country-due-to-covid-19-pm-trudeau-1.4854503 |archive-date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=March 16, 2020 |website=CTV News}} International flights to Canada from outside the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S. were instructed to land at either Calgary International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, or Vancouver International Airport.

File:SkyTrain during COVID-19 pandemic.jpg in Vancouver on a Saturday afternoon]]

From March 20, Canada and the United States temporarily restricted all non-essential travel across their land border.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Dickson |first=Jane |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Canada-U.S. border to close except for essential supply chains |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-trump-confirms-canada-us-to-close-border-to-non-essential-travel/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319142351/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-trump-confirms-canada-us-to-close-border-to-non-essential-travel/ |archive-date=March 19, 2020}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 20, 2020 |title=Canada-U.S. border closing to non-essential travel at midnight, irregular migrants to be turned away |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/03/20/canada-us-border-closing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321035159/https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/03/20/canada-us-border-closing/ |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |publisher=toronto.citynews.ca}} The U.S. did not restrict non-essential air travel into the country by Canadians, but Americans were prohibited from boarding flights into Canada per U.S. restrictions—a non-reciprocal restriction that was criticized as being contradictory.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2021-08-31 |title=Canadians demand to know why they can fly — but still not drive — to the U.S. |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-u-s-border-travel-1.6158534 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=CBC News}} On April 16, Trudeau stated that the Canada/U.S. border restrictions would remain in place "for a significant amount of time".{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Ljunggren |first=David |date=April 16, 2020 |title=Canada to keep border restrictions with U.S. for a 'significant' time, Trudeau says |url=https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/canada-to-keep-border-restrictions-with-u-s-for-a-significant-time-trudeau-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423162906/https://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/canada-to-keep-border-restrictions-with-u-s-for-a-significant-time-trudeau-says |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |newspaper=Financialpost}} The next day, Canada and the United States agreed to extend their entry restrictions, which were to expire on April 21, for an additional 30 days beyond that date.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 17, 2020 |title=Canada-U.S. agree to extend border restrictions by 30 days: sources |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-u-s-agree-to-extend-border-restrictions-by-30-days-sources-1.4900471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418000909/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-u-s-agree-to-extend-border-restrictions-by-30-days-sources-1.4900471 |archive-date=April 18, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |website=CTV News}}

On April 20, the federal government introduced the "ArriveCAN" mobile app, which is used to conduct entry screenings and submit documentation; use of the app became mandatory in November.

Since March 30, individuals showing COVID-19 symptoms were to be refused boarding on domestic flights (10 seats or more) and passenger trains. However, it excluded buses and intercity passenger rail services.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Patel |first=Raisa |date=March 28, 2020 |title=No more domestic travel by plane or train for those showing coronavirus symptoms, Trudeau says |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/no-plane-train-travel-if-showing-symptoms-trudeau-says-1.5513608 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328184930/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/no-plane-train-travel-if-showing-symptoms-trudeau-says-1.5513608 |archive-date=March 28, 2020}} From April 20, all travellers were required to wear face masks while departing and arriving on air travel, including during security screenings. Those who did not comply were prevented from proceeding.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Coronavirus: Air travellers required to wear non-medical masks under new rules |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6834343/coronavirus-air-travellers-masks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417220748/https://globalnews.ca/news/6834343/coronavirus-air-travellers-masks/ |archive-date=April 17, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |website=Global News}}

As the land border with the United States continued to be closed to non-essential travel, the Canadian government announced plans in October to allow family members to reunite under compassionate terms.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-changing-travel-restrictions-to-allow-more-families-to-reunite-1.5130094|title=Canada changing travel restrictions to allow more families to reunite|first=Rachel|last=Aiello|date=October 2, 2020|website=CTVNews}} Within the country, the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador established the Atlantic Bubble, restricting travel from other provinces but allowing free movement amongst residents of the member provinces.{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-atlantic-bubble-has-held-off-covid-19-but-is-it-worth-the-cost|title=The 'Atlantic bubble' has held off COVID-19, but is it worth the cost to civil liberties?|newspaper=Nationalpost}}

On January 6, 2021, the federal government announced that all incoming travellers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 72 hours of their departure time to board flights into Canada.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Flanagan|first=Ryan|date=January 6, 2021|title=What air travellers entering Canada need to know about the new COVID-19 rules|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/what-air-travellers-entering-canada-need-to-know-about-the-new-covid-19-rules-1.5255458|access-date=February 11, 2021|website=CTV News|language=en}}

On January 29, 2021, due to concerns surrounding SARS-CoV-2 variants, Trudeau announced a series of new travel restrictions. Travellers arriving in Canada would be required to receive a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and must quarantine at an "approved hotel" at their own expense. At the same time, they awaited test results or recovery and were subject to "increased surveillance" during the remainder of the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Foreign flights were only allowed to land in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver. To discourage non-essential travel, the major airlines agreed to suspend all flights to the Caribbean and Mexico until April 30, 2021.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=January 29, 2021 |title=Trudeau suspending Caribbean vacation travel; will require all incoming air travellers to quarantine in hotels |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/trudeau-suspending-caribbean-vacation-travel-will-require-all-incoming-air-travellers-to-quarantine-in-hotels-1.5287360 |access-date=February 11, 2021 |website=CP24 |language=en}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=January 29, 2021 |title='Now is just not the time to be flying': PM Trudeau announces new travel restrictions |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/now-is-just-not-the-time-to-be-flying-pm-trudeau-announces-new-travel-restrictions-1.5287311 |access-date=February 11, 2021 |website=CTVNews |language=en}} On February 12, it was announced a third PCR test would also be required at the end of the 14-day quarantine period. The new rules for international travel went into effect on February 22.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Mandatory hotel quarantine for international travellers to take effect on February 22 |url=https://dailyhive.com/toronto/mandatory-hotel-quarantine-international-travellers-canada-february |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=dailyhive.com |language=en}}

In July 2021, the government lifted the quarantine requirement for Canadian citizens and permanent residents re-entering the country, provided they submit proof of vaccination via the ArriveCAN app or website.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2022-09-24 |title=The ArriveCAN app is about to become optional. Will anyone use it? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/arrivecan-app-optional-mandatory-prescreening-customs-1.6593709 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=CBC News}} On August 9, 2021, Canada reopened its land border to American citizens and permanent residents that are fully-vaccinated. However, the U.S. land border remained closed to Canadians entering the United States {{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Isai |first=Vjosa |date=2021-07-19 |title=Canada will reopen its border with the U.S. and hopes to allow others in by early September. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/19/world/canada-border-reopening.html |access-date=2022-10-01 |issn=0362-4331}} until November 8, 2021, when the U.S. began to allow non-essential land travel into the country, with a vaccine mandate for residents 18 and over (enforced via random checks). However, as with air travel, anyone re-entering the country was required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 72 hours of their arrival; this test could alternatively be obtained in Canada if the traveler had been in the country for less than 72 hours.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2021-11-08 |title=The U.S. land border is open. Here's what you need to know |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/u-s-land-border-open-vaccinated-1.6233944 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=CBC News}}

On October 6, 2021, it was announced that all passengers of federally-regulated transportation over the age of 12 (including air travel, cruises, and Via Rail or Rocky Mountaineer trains) would be required to be fully-vaccinated beginning October 30, 2021. Until November 30, 2021, a recent negative test was also accepted.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Alonso |first=Melissa |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Canada issues Covid-19 vaccine mandate for travelers 12 or older on trains and planes |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/canada-trudeau-vaccine-mandate/index.html |access-date=2021-10-07 |website=CNN |language=en}}

Beginning January 15, 2022, international truckers entering the country were required to be fully-vaccinated;{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2022-01-12 |title=Vaccination mandate for cross-border truckers takes effect on Saturday, hampering industry with driver shortage |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/vaccination-mandate-for-cross-border-truckers-takes-effect-on-saturday-hampering-industry-with-driver-shortage-1.5737799 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=CTV News Ottawa |language=en}} this decision instigated a protest convoy—backed largely by supporters of alt-right and far-right movements—which culminated in a multi-day occupation of downtown Ottawa, and evolved into a general protest against all COVID-19 vaccine mandates.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Scott |first=Mark |title=Ottawa truckers' convoy galvanizes far-right worldwide |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/06/ottawa-truckers-convoy-galvanizes-far-right-worldwide-00006080 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=POLITICO |date=February 6, 2022 |language=en}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Tunney |first=Catharine |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Federal government invokes Emergencies Act for first time ever in response to protests |newspaper=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-premiers-cabinet-1.6350734 |access-date=February 14, 2022}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Gallant |first=Jacques |date=February 14, 2022 |title=The Emergencies Act has been invoked. What does that mean? |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2022/02/14/the-emergencies-act-has-been-invoked-what-does-that-mean.html |access-date=February 14, 2022}}

Beginning April 1, 2022, pre-entry PCR testing requirements were dropped for fully-vaccinated travelers entering the country. However, air travelers were still subject to random testing as part of surveillance for variants (which would not require self-isolation).{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=2022-04-01 |title=Here are Canada's rules for fully vaccinated travellers as of April 1 |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/here-are-canada-s-rules-for-fully-vaccinated-travellers-as-of-april-1-1.5841310 |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}

On September 26, 2022, it was announced that all remaining COVID-19-related travel restrictions and mandates would be dropped effective October 1, 2022; this includes vaccine requirements, masking requirements, random tests, and the requirement to submit documentation via ArriveCAN.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=2022-09-26 |title=Canada to remove all COVID travel restrictions from Oct 1 |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-remove-all-covid-border-travel-measures-oct-1-2022-09-26/ |access-date=2022-10-01}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Canada has dropped COVID-19 travel restrictions, mask mandates |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9169335/canada-covid-19-travel-restriction/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |website= |publisher=Canadian Press |language=en-US |via=Global News}} However, on December 31, 2022, the government announced that mandatory testing would be reinstated for travellers entering from China beginning January 5, 2023.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=COVID-19: Negative test to be required from travellers from China, Hong Kong, Macao |url=https://torontosun.com/news/national/ottawa-to-temporarily-require-negative-covid-19-test-from-travellers-from-china |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=leaderpost |language=en-CA}}

A First Ministers' meeting scheduled for March 12 and 13 was cancelled after Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire entered self-isolation.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Harris |first=Kathleen |date=March 12, 2020 |title=Trudeau, wife Sophie in self-isolation awaiting COVID-19 test as premiers conference is called off |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/covid19-premiers-coronavirus-1.5495001 |url-status=live |access-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313001402/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/covid19-premiers-coronavirus-1.5495001 |archive-date=March 13, 2020}} The Canadian House of Commons was suspended between March 14 and April 20, immediately after passing the new North American free trade deal. The federal budget, previously scheduled for March 20, was also suspended.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=March 13, 2020 |title=Parliament suspended 5 weeks amid COVID-19 concerns after passing trade deal, spending bills |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/parliament-suspended-1.5496469 |url-status=live |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314111444/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/parliament-suspended-1.5496469 |archive-date=March 14, 2020}}

In March 2020, the Bank of Canada twice lowered its overnight rate target by 50 basis points—first to 1.25 percent on March 4, and then to 0.75 percent on March 13. It cited the "negative shocks to Canada's economy arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent sharp drop in oil prices" in explaining the move.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=March 13, 2020 |title=Bank of Canada lowers interest rate |url=https://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/bank-of-canada-lower-interest-rate-read-the-official-statement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313191524/https://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/bank-of-canada-lower-interest-rate-read-the-official-statement |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |newspaper=Financialpost}}{{cite press release |title=Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target to ¾ percent |date=March 13, 2020 |website=bankofcanada.ca |publisher=Bank of Canada |url=https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/03/bank-of-canada-lowers-overnight-rate-target-to-%c2%be-percent/ |access-date=March 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313191529/https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/03/bank-of-canada-lowers-overnight-rate-target-to-%c2%be-percent/ |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |url-status=live}}

On March 27, the Bank lowered the rate a third time to 0.25 percent, citing "serious consequences for Canadians and for the economy" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite press release |title=Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target to ¼ percent |date=March 27, 2020 |website=bankofcanada.ca |publisher=Bank of Canada |url=https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/03/press-release-2020-03-27/ |access-date=March 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327215145/https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/03/press-release-2020-03-27/ |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |url-status=live}} The Bank also launched a program to "alleviate strains in the short-term funding markets" and another program to acquire Government of Canada securities at a minimum of $5 billion per week.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 27, 2020 |title=Bank of Canada: Key interest rate cut to lowest level |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/bank-of-canada-key-interest-rate-cut-to-lowest-level-1.4870867 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327215458/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/bank-of-canada-key-interest-rate-cut-to-lowest-level-1.4870867 |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |access-date=March 27, 2020 |website=ctvnews.ca}}

{{main|Federal aid during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada}}

On March 18, the federal government announced an $82-billion response package with a variety of measures.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=March 19, 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Here's what's happening in Canada and the world Thursday |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid-19-canada-world-march19-1.5502505 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319122701/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid-19-canada-world-march19-1.5502505 |archive-date=March 19, 2020}} On March 25, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act received royal assent from Governor General Julie Payette.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 25, 2020 |title=Trudeau's $82B coronavirus support package gets royal assent, officially passes |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6728936/coronavirus-canada-emergency-legislation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325145621/https://globalnews.ca/news/6728936/coronavirus-canada-emergency-legislation/ |archive-date=March 25, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2020 |publisher=globalnews.ca}}

The measures in this first package included:

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Payments for the 2019–20-year were increased by $300 per child.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/canada-child-benefit.html|title=Canada Child Benefit|first=Employment and Social Development|last=Canada|date=May 12, 2016|website=aem}}
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit: The maximum annual GST credit payment amount for the 2019–20 year was doubled.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.mccarthy.ca/en/insights/blogs/mccarthy-tetrault-tax-perspectives/tax-measures-under-canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan#:~:text=A%20one%2Dtime%20special%20payment,the%202020%2D2021%20benefit%20year |title=Tax Measures Under Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan | McCarthy Tétrault | date=December 18, 2020 |publisher=Mccarthy.ca |access-date=November 6, 2021}}
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): This new benefit provided a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months for those who had lost their job, were sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents staying home to take care of their kids.
• Canada Student Loans: A six-month moratorium was placed on repayment.
• Temporary business wage subsidy: Eligible small employers received a three-month 10 percent wage subsidy.
• Tax flexibility: The income tax filing deadline was also extended from April 30, 2020, to June 1, 2020. Tax payments were deferred to September 2020.

The CERB launched on April 6.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 13, 2020 |title=Nearly 5.4 million receiving emergency federal aid |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/nearly-5-4-million-receiving-emergency-federal-aid-1.4893773 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414003446/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/nearly-5-4-million-receiving-emergency-federal-aid-1.4893773 |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |publisher=ctvnews.ca}} On April 15, Trudeau announced an extension to the CERB to workers making up to $1,000 per month and that the government planned to work with the provinces to implement salary top-ups for essential workers who make less than $2,500 per month.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Essential workers to get salary top-up, eligibility for emergency benefit expanded: PM |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/essential-workers-to-get-salary-top-up-eligibility-for-emergency-benefit-expanded-pm-1.4897017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419110621/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/essential-workers-to-get-salary-top-up-eligibility-for-emergency-benefit-expanded-pm-1.4897017 |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=CTV News}}

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) was announced on April 1, an expanded version of the temporary business wage subsidy. The Parliament reconvened on April 11 to pass the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2 on division. It implemented the CEWS, allowing eligible companies to receive a 75 percent subsidy on each of their employees' wages (up to their first $58,700) for 12 weeks retroactive to March 15.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Coronavirus: Parliament adopts COVID-19 wage subsidy bill |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6807384/coronavirus-jagmeet-singh-cerb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423173617/https://globalnews.ca/news/6807384/coronavirus-jagmeet-singh-cerb/ |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=Global News}}

Trudeau introduced new financial aid programs on April 10, including the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which offers loans, interest-free until the end of 2022, of up to $40,000 for small- and medium-sized businesses.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 14, 2020 |title=How to apply for the government's $25-billion CEBA business loan program |url=https://business.financialpost.com/news/fp-street/how-to-apply-for-the-governments-25-billion-ceba-business-loan-program |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419234743/https://business.financialpost.com/news/fp-street/how-to-apply-for-the-governments-25-billion-ceba-business-loan-program |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |newspaper=Financialpost}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 10, 2020 |title=PM Trudeau touts loan program, will return to Commons Saturday |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/pm-trudeau-touts-loan-program-will-return-to-commons-saturday-1.4891361 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419171540/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/pm-trudeau-touts-loan-program-will-return-to-commons-saturday-1.4891361 |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |website=CTV News}} The CEBA was expanded on April 16 to make more businesses eligible by expanding the payroll window for eligibility from $50,000–1,000,000 to $20,000–1,500,000.{{cite web|url=https://covidcontinuity.com/articles/canada-emergency-business-account/|title=Updated: Understanding the $40,000 Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan|publisher=Covid-19 Continuity|access-date=18 February 2025}}

Trudeau announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) on April 22.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 22, 2020 |title=PM Trudeau announces $9B in new COVID-19 funding for students |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/pm-trudeau-announces-9b-in-new-covid-19-funding-for-students-1.4906564 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422224029/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/pm-trudeau-announces-9b-in-new-covid-19-funding-for-students-1.4906564 |archive-date=April 22, 2020 |access-date=April 22, 2020 |publisher=ctvnews.ca}}

On April 30, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux issued a report projecting the federal deficit for the fiscal year 2020 could be in excess of $252 billion, based on nearly $146 billion in spending on federal aid measures.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 30, 2020 |title=Federal deficit could top $252 billion, says budget officer |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pbo-deficit-covid-1.5550498 |url-status=live |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730065349/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pbo-deficit-covid-1.5550498 |archive-date=July 30, 2020}}

On October 12, 2020, the federal government rolled out a new income support program after the ending of CERB, the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://globalnews.ca/video/7394482/coronavirus-trudeau-says-over-240000-canadians-applied-for-new-crb|title=Coronavirus: Trudeau says over 240,000 Canadians applied for new CRB|publisher=globalnews.ca|date=October 13, 2020}} Another program, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), supports Canadians working but have to take a break to care for dependents (a child below 12 years of age or a disabled family member). The benefit only applies if schools and care centres are closed or the dependent fell sick or contracted COVID-19.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-revenue-agency-extend-recovery-164241729.html|title=Canada Revenue Agency: How to Extend Your Recovery Benefits Beyond 26 Weeks|publisher=Yahoo!|date=September 28, 2020}}

On March 20, 2020, the government announced a plan to ramp up production of medical equipment, switching assembly lines to produce ventilators, masks, and other personal protective gear. Companies will be able to access funds through the government's Strategic Innovation Fund. The PM stated that Canadian medical supply firms Thornhill Medical, Medicom and Spartan Bioscience were looking to expand production. The government also contracted Sterling Industries, a medical device manufacturer, to facilitate the production of over 15 million medical face shields (PPE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Nathan |date=2020-06-10 |title=Vaughan Headquartered Sterling Industries Awarded Contracts from Federal, Ontario and Alberta Governments For 27 Million PPE Face Shields |url=https://www.yorklink.ca/vaughan-headquartered-sterling-industries-awarded-contracts-from-federal-ontario-and-alberta-governments-for-27-million-ppe-face-shields/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Toronto Area's York Region |language=en-US |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117192710/https://www.yorklink.ca/vaughan-headquartered-sterling-industries-awarded-contracts-from-federal-ontario-and-alberta-governments-for-27-million-ppe-face-shields/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release |last=Industries |first=Sterling |date=2020-06-09 |title=Sterling Industries Awarded Contracts from Federal, Ontario and Alberta Governments For 27 Million PPE Face Shields |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/09/2045704/0/en/Sterling-Industries-Awarded-Contracts-from-Federal-Ontario-and-Alberta-Governments-For-27-Million-PPE-Face-Shields.html |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=GlobeNewswire News Room |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117185703/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/09/2045704/0/en/Sterling-Industries-Awarded-Contracts-from-Federal-Ontario-and-Alberta-Governments-For-27-Million-PPE-Face-Shields.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Medical Device Contract Manufacturing |url=https://www.sterlingindustries.com/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Sterling Industries |language=en-US |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217162438/https://www.sterlingindustries.com/ |url-status=live }} To address shortages and supply-chain disruption, Canada passed emergency legislation that waived patent protection, giving the government, companies or organizations that it selects the right to produce patented products without permission from the patent holder.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 23, 2020 |title=Exclusive: Canada gets Biomerieux formula for free to produce virus testing chemicals |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-canada-testing-exc-idUSKCN2253E7 |url-status=live |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427194003/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-canada-testing-exc-idUSKCN2253E7 |archive-date=April 27, 2020}} According to Innovation, Science and Industry minister Navdeep Bains, "the country's entire industrial policy will be refocused to prioritize the fight against COVID-19".{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Ottawa unveils plan to harness industry to ramp up production of COVID-19 medical gear | |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/covid-19-medical-gear-1.5504453 |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321102404/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/covid-19-medical-gear-1.5504453 |archive-date=March 21, 2020}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Platt |first=Brian |date=March 20, 2020 |title=COVID-19: Trudeau announces plan to 'mobilize industry' to produce medical supplies |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/covid-19-trudeau-announces-plan-to-mobilize-industry-to-produce-medical-supplies |access-date=March 20, 2020 |newspaper=Nationalpost}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 34% of people consulted their doctors over the phone.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=June 8, 2020|title=Many Canadians used virtual medical care during COVID-19, poll suggests|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/virtual-care-cma-survey-1.5603713|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Virtual Healthcare in Canada|url=https://www.elicare.ca/virtual-healthcare|access-date=February 28, 2021|website=Elicare}} In May 2020, Justin Trudeau announced an investment of $240.5 million to support the growth of virtual care and mental health tools in Canada.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=May 3, 2020|title=Prime Minister announces virtual care and mental health tools for Canadians|url=https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/03/prime-minister-announces-virtual-care-and-mental-health-tools|website=Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada}}

On March 12, Quebec declared a public health emergency, requiring international travellers to self-isolate for 14 days and banning gatherings of 250 people. Extending the ban to all gatherings outside workplaces and retail.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Authier |first=Philip |date=March 13, 2020 |title=Quebec shuts down as Premier François Legault declares an emergency |work=The Gazette |location=Montreal |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/covid-19-quebec-asks-anyone-returning-from-travel-to-self-quarantine/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409141955/https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/covid-19-quebec-asks-anyone-returning-from-travel-to-self-quarantine/ |archive-date=April 9, 2020}}

On March 16, Prince Edward Island declared a public health emergency. Alberta and Ontario declared emergencies on March 17, followed by British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and Yukon on March 18. New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia declared emergencies on March 19, March 20, and March 22 respectively.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 20, 2020 |title=CCLA LIVE COVID-LIBERTY UPDATES |url=https://ccla.org/coronavirus-update-emergency-updates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424012337/https://ccla.org/coronavirus-update-emergency-updates/ |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |website=Canadian Civil Liberties Association}}

These emergencies allowed provinces to ban gatherings and require international travellers to self-isolate. On March 25, mandatory self-isolation was imposed federally, making it a legal requirement for all provinces that had not done so already.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 25, 2020 |title=New Order Makes Self-Isolation Mandatory for Individuals Entering Canada |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2020/03/new-order-makes-self-isolation-mandatory-for-individuals-entering-canada.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409145147/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2020/03/new-order-makes-self-isolation-mandatory-for-individuals-entering-canada.html |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |website=Government of Canada}}

New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island and have all restricted entry through interprovincial borders, prohibiting the entry of non-residents without a valid reason. Quebec has additionally restricted travel into 9 of its 18 regions and parts of 3 other regions. The borders of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are being screened, while also requiring travellers to self-isolate for 14 days upon entering the province.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 1, 2020 |title=What are the coronavirus rules in my province? A quick guide to what's allowed and open, or closed and banned |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-coronavirus-rules-by-province-physical-distancing-open-closed/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409220635/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-coronavirus-rules-by-province-physical-distancing-open-closed/ |archive-date=April 9, 2020}}

File:TrilliumSchoolStopTheSpread.jpg

Public schools (under Provincial control) across the country quickly followed suit and closed.{{#invoke:Cite|news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/coronavirus-march-12-travel-eu-us-1.5494860 |title=Schools closed, public gatherings restricted in global effort to fight COVID-19 pandemic |publisher=CBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=March 12, 2020}}

Schools in the Toronto District School Board were closed under a 2-week class-free quarantine beginning on the week after the regularly scheduled March Break. Virtual learning was implemented in the week following the quarantine and extended until the beginning of the next school year, giving students the option of going in-person with restrictions or continuing virtual learning. March Break was pushed back to the week of April 11.

Laurentian University in Greater Sudbury was the first to voluntarily suspended classes and moved to online instruction on March 12.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Gilson |first=Patrick John |date=March 13, 2020 |title=Several Ontario Universities Are Now Cancelling Classes Due To COVID-19 |url=https://www.narcity.com/news/ca/on/ontario-universities-are-cancelling-their-classes-due-to-the-coronavirus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924012016/https://www.narcity.com/news/ca/on/ontario-universities-are-cancelling-their-classes-due-to-the-coronavirus |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |website=Narcity}} This was quickly followed by many other universities across the country.

File:Port Moody, BC - playground closed with COVID-19 signage.jpg, British Columbia, closed off with caution tape. A sign indicates the playground is closed because of COVID-19.]]

Bars, restaurants, cinemas, and other businesses were ordered closed by provinces, territories, and municipalities across the country. Initially, some jurisdictions allowed restaurants or bars to stay open with reduced capacity and social distancing. Takeout and delivery orders were largely still permitted. Jurisdictions differed on daycare closures. In particular, British Columbia and Saskatchewan faced criticism for allowing daycares to remain open while closing schools, bars, and restaurants.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Fletcher |first=Tanya |date=March 19, 2020 |title=COVID-19 shut down B.C. schools – so why are daycares still open? |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-daycares-still-open-1.5502295 |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416214718/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-daycares-still-open-1.5502295 |archive-date=April 16, 2020}}

Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan mandated the closure of all businesses not deemed essential by the provinces. Essential businesses included grocery stores, takeout and delivery restaurants, pharmacies, transportation, manufacturing, food production, energy, and healthcare.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 23, 2020 |title=Ontario orders all non-essential businesses to shut down |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-orders-all-non-essential-businesses-to-shut-down-1.4864492 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325193928/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-orders-all-non-essential-businesses-to-shut-down-1.4864492 |archive-date=March 25, 2020 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |website=CTV News Toronto}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 25, 2020 |title=14 new COVID-19 cases in Sask. as province limits gatherings to 10 people |url=https://regina.ctvnews.ca/14-new-covid-19-cases-in-sask-as-province-limits-gatherings-to-10-people-1.4867855 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326165208/https://regina.ctvnews.ca/14-new-covid-19-cases-in-sask-as-province-limits-gatherings-to-10-people-1.4867855 |archive-date=March 26, 2020 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |website=Regina}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=March 24, 2020 |title=COVID-19: Ontario and Quebec order non-essential businesses closed after spike in coronavirus totals {{!}} National Post |newspaper=Nationalpost |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/covid-19-ontario-and-quebec-order-non-essential-businesses-closed-after-spike-in-coronavirus-totals |url-status=live |archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20210318183825/https://nationalpost.com/news/covid%2D19%2Dontario%2Dand%2Dquebec%2Dorder%2Dnon%2Dessential%2Dbusinesses%2Dclosed%2Dafter%2Dspike%2Din%2Dcoronavirus%2Dtotals |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=April 10, 2020}}

Liquor and cannabis stores mostly remained open across the country, with governments reversing their closure orders due to alcohol withdrawal syndrome{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=April |first=Allan |date=March 24, 2020 |title=P.E.I. to reopen liquor store, offer Sobeys gift cards to laid-off workers |work=CTV News |url=https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/p-e-i-to-reopen-liquor-store-offer-sobeys-gift-cards-to-laid-off-workers-1.4866495 |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414131808/https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/p-e-i-to-reopen-liquor-store-offer-sobeys-gift-cards-to-laid-off-workers-1.4866495 |archive-date=April 14, 2020}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=George-Cosh |first=David |date=April 7, 2020 |title=Ontario's pot shops to reopen with delivery, click-and-collect options |work=BNN Bloomberg |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/ontario-s-pot-shops-to-reopen-with-delivery-click-and-collect-options-1.1418702 |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410171452/https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/ontario-s-pot-shops-to-reopen-with-delivery-click-and-collect-options-1.1418702 |archive-date=April 10, 2020}} concerns.

Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba all offered one-time payments that aimed to bridge the gap before implementing the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Quebec's Temporary Aid for Workers Program provided up to four weeks of payments for those who do not qualify for federal assistance. Prince Edward Island also provided payments to those who kept their jobs but worked reduced hours.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Flanagan |first=Ryan |date=March 26, 2020 |title=Emergency benefits: What each province is offering during the COVID-19 pandemic |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/emergency-benefits-what-each-province-is-offering-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-1.4869158 |url-status=live |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410101336/https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/emergency-benefits-what-each-province-is-offering-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-1.4869158 |archive-date=April 10, 2020}} Many provinces and territories increased payments for those already receiving income supports.

Courts across the country instituted measures to reduce public contact while maintaining access to the courts.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=COVID-19 and the courts: March 20 update |url=https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/practice-areas/litigation/covid-19-and-the-courts-march-20-update/327754 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321222634/https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/practice-areas/litigation/covid-19-and-the-courts-march-20-update/327754 |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |access-date=March 21, 2020 |website=canadianlawyermag.com}} The Supreme Court of Canada building was closed to public tours while maintaining the ability to file documents for cases electronically. It also adjourned appeals which were to be heard in March, to dates in June.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Supreme Court of Canada postpones carbon tax hearing |url=https://biv.com/article/2020/03/supreme-court-canada-postpones-carbon-tax-hearing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320140127/https://biv.com/article/2020/03/supreme-court-canada-postpones-carbon-tax-hearing |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=Business in Vancouver|date=March 17, 2020 }} Other courts prioritized the cases that would be heard, giving priority to ongoing criminal trials and trials in family and child protection matters while adjourning most pending cases to later dates.

On March 19, the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba restricted entry to essential travellers, and Chief David Monias said the Sayisi Dene and others are doing the same.

As of March 19, the Council of the Haida Nation said it was discouraging all non-resident travel to the islands "for the time being."{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Johnson |first=Kelsey |date=March 19, 2020 |title=First Nations close borders over coronavirus, using 'isolation as a strength' |work=The Globe and Mail |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-first-nations-close-borders-over-coronavirus-using-isolation-as-a/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319210138/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-first-nations-close-borders-over-coronavirus-using-isolation-as-a/ |archive-date=March 19, 2020}}

On March 27, Wasauksing First Nation declared a state of emergency with Gimaa (chief) Wally Tabobondung announcing the creation of a response team and the state of emergency via YouTube video. In an update posted on May 16, the chief and council announced they had installed cameras with facial and licence plate recognition technology at local checkpoints to identify outsiders entering the territory. Cottagers leasing property on the territory had been barred from entering until June 6. As of June 6, anyone entering the Wasauksing must have a tag issued by the band government and provide information for a centralized registry. Re-opening occurred in phases. As of an update posted on June 21, the state of emergency had been extended an additional 90 days.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Strength of Two Buffalo|date=August 8, 2020|title=State of emergency extended in Wasauksing First Nation|work=MuskokaRegion.com|url=https://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/10131472-state-of-emergency-extended-in-wasauksing-first-nation/|access-date=October 13, 2020}}

On October 1, in anticipation of the "Second Wave," Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Secwépemc First Nation instituted a mandatory face mask policy in indoor spaces where physical distancing was not possible, including hallways, staircases, and shared vehicles.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Peters|first=James|date=October 1, 2020|title=Tk'emlups te Secwepemc to make masks mandatory in preparation for second COVID-19 wave|work=CFJC Today|url=https://cfjctoday.com/2020/10/01/tkemlups-te-secwepemc-to-make-masks-mandatory-in-preparation-for-second-covid-19-wave/|access-date=October 26, 2020}}

As of October 8, the infection rate in Indigenous communities had been one-third of the infection rate in non-Indigenous communities, according to an update from Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller. Miller praised Indigenous leadership and with Indigenous Services Canada's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Wong, encouraging Indigenous people to remain vigilant and safe.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Pashagumskum|first=Jamie|date=October 8, 2020|title=Indigenous services advises First Nations communities to stay the course ahead of a second wave of COVID-19|work=APTN National News|url=https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/indigenous-services-advises-first-nations-communities-to-stay-the-course-ahead-of-a-second-wave-of-covid-19/|access-date=October 13, 2020}}

First Nations communities were prioritized amongst others in the first phase of vaccinations against the virus.{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://energeticcity.ca/2020/12/27/some-first-nations-communities-to-receive-moderna-vaccine-this-week/|title=Some First Nations communities to receive Moderna Vaccine this week|first=Adam|last=Reaburn| date=December 27, 2020 }}

{{main|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada}}

{{see also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the meat industry in Canada}}

{{Excerpt|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada|paragraphs=1,2,3|hat=no|file=no}}

• Alberta

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta}}

• British Columbia

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia}}

File:Canada Place during COVID-19.jpg in Vancouver.]]

• Manitoba

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba}}

• New Brunswick

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in New Brunswick}}

• Newfoundland and Labrador

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Newfoundland and Labrador}}

• Northwest Territories

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in the Northwest Territories}}

• Nova Scotia

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Nova Scotia}}

• Nunavut

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Nunavut}}

• Ontario

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario}}

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in the Regional Municipality of Peel|COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto}}

File:Whole_Foods_Market_-_Toronto_-_20200501110408.jpg in Toronto.]]

• Prince Edward Island

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Prince Edward Island}}

• Quebec

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec}}

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in Montreal}}

• Saskatchewan

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan}}

• Yukon

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Yukon}}

{{Update section|date=October 2020|talksection=Needs updates|reason=Information needs to be updated to better reflect developments since April–May/reopenings/new surges}}

COVID-19 testing can be used to track the prevalence and spread, to diagnose individuals for treatment, to identify infections for isolation and contact tracing, to screen at-risk populations, to clear exposed healthcare workers to return to work, and to identify individuals with potential immunity. The World Health Organization says that jurisdictions should aim to test every suspected case of COVID-19.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Laboratory testing strategy recommendations for COVID-19, Interim Guidance 21 March 2020 |url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331509/WHO-COVID-19-lab_testing-2020.1-eng.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503160914/https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331509/WHO-COVID-19-lab_testing-2020.1-eng.pdf |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |publisher=World Health Organization}} Since health care is under provincial jurisdiction, almost all testing is conducted by the provinces and territories rather than the federal government. On April 23, Trudeau identified broader testing as key to reopening the country, mentioning the target of 60,000 tests per day set by Dr. Theresa Tam, but warned that up to 120,000 per day may be required.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 23, 2020 |title=Trudeau bets on COVID-19 blood tests for now as Canada ramps up long effort for a vaccine |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/04/23/justin-trudeau-boosts-money-for-covid-19-research.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430044427/https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2020/04/23/justin-trudeau-boosts-money-for-covid-19-research.html |archive-date=April 30, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=Toronto Star}} As of late April, approximately 20,000 tests per day were being performed in Canada.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 28, 2020 |title=COVID-19 update: Canada closing on 50,000 known cases. Nursing homes account for 79% of deaths {{!}} National Post |newspaper=Nationalpost |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/covid-19-trudeau-says-in-many-parts-of-canada-the-coronavirus-curve-has-flattened |url-status=live |archive-url=http://wayback.vefsafn.is/wayback/20210211215638/https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/covid%2D19%2Dtrudeau%2Dsays%2Din%2Dmany%2Dparts%2Dof%2Dcanada%2Dthe%2Dcoronavirus%2Dcurve%2Dhas%2Dflattened |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=May 1, 2020}} Total numbers of tests conducted for the provinces and Canada show that over 800,000 Canadians have been tested as of early May 2020. The displayed chart shows the testing rates per capita in the provinces and territories from March to May 2020.

File:Canadian Provincial COVID-19 Testing Rates.png{{Clear}}

Only COVID-19 tests approved by Health Canada can be imported or sold in Canada.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 30, 2020 |title=Diagnostic devices for use against coronavirus (COVID-19): List of applications received |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/covid-19/diagnostic-devices-applications.html#wb-auto-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501084834/https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/covid-19/diagnostic-devices-applications.html#wb-auto-5 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=aem}} Since this is usually a lengthy process, on March 18, the Minister of Health Hajdu issued an interim order to allow expedited access to COVID-19-related medical devices for use by healthcare providers, including diagnostic test kits.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=March 18, 2020 |title=Health Canada expedites access to COVID-19 diagnostic laboratory test kits and other medical devices |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/03/health-canada-expedites-access-to-covid-19-diagnostic-laboratory-test-kits-and-other-medical-devices.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320161407/https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/03/health-canada-expedites-access-to-covid-19-diagnostic-laboratory-test-kits-and-other-medical-devices.html |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=gcnws}} The same day, the first commercial tests were approved, RT-PCR tests from Roche and Thermo Fisher.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 30, 2020 |title=COVID-19: List of authorized diagnostic devices for use against coronavirus |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/covid-19/diagnostic-devices-authorized.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501084821/https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/covid-19/diagnostic-devices-authorized.html |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=aem}} Another 13 diagnostic products have since been approved, all based on Nucleic Acid tests. As of April 30, 21 diagnostic device applications were listed as submitted by Health Canada.

Canada's National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg performs diagnostic testing for and research into COVID-19.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=May 1, 2020 |title=Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125011050/https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=aem}} Samples from suspected cases early in the pandemic were sent by provinces and territories to this national lab for testing, either as the sole test or as a check of an in-province test result.{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Man who flew to Toronto from China is Canada's first coronavirus case |work=CP24 |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/man-who-flew-to-toronto-from-china-is-canada-s-first-coronavirus-case-1.4783476 |url-status=live |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229094929/https://www.cp24.com/news/man-who-flew-to-toronto-from-china-is-canada-s-first-coronavirus-case-1.4783476 |archive-date=February 29, 2020}} The lab diagnosed the first confirmed case in Canada on January 27, 2020.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=January 27, 2020 |title=One confirmed, one presumptive case of coronavirus in Ontario; numbers will likely grow, health leaders warn |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-confirms-wife-of-first-presumptive-coronavirus-case-has/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703183658/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-confirms-wife-of-first-presumptive-coronavirus-case-has/ |archive-date=July 3, 2020 |access-date=May 28, 2020 |work=The Globe and Mail}} Since then, provinces and territories have established their own testing capacity but have occasionally sent samples to the national lab for a second test as a check.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Fox |first=Chris |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Woman who initially tested negative now has Ontario's third confirmed case of novel coronavirus |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/woman-who-initially-tested-negative-now-has-ontario-s-third-confirmed-case-of-novel-coronavirus-1.4791931 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331035106/https://www.cp24.com/news/woman-who-initially-tested-negative-now-has-ontario-s-third-confirmed-case-of-novel-coronavirus-1.4791931 |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=CP24}}

Provinces faced COVID-19 testing backlogs due to a shortage of supplies, including the chemical reagents required to complete the tests. In late April, the federal government arranged for a cargo flight from China that delivered the equivalent of about six to nine months of production for one particular raw material for the 20-odd raw materials needed by supplier LuminUltra to supply reagent kits for RT-PCR machines.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Blanchfield |first=Mike |date=April 23, 2020 |title=Key COVID-19 testing chemical reaches Canada from China |url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/04/23/news/key-covid-19-testing-chemical-reaches-canada-china |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427175534/https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/04/23/news/key-covid-19-testing-chemical-reaches-canada-china |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=National Observer}}

Health Canada identified nucleic acid-based testing as "the gold standard used in Canada and abroad, for the diagnosis of active COVID-19 infection in patients with symptoms."{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=January 26, 2020 |title=Health officials expect more coronavirus cases, but say risk of outbreak in Canada remains low |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/coronavirus-hajdu-tam-health-china-1.5440950 |url-status=live |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205115725/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/coronavirus-hajdu-tam-health-china-1.5440950 |archive-date=February 5, 2020}} The predominant type of testing is used in RT-PCR. They use a carefully produced and validated swab to collect a sample from a person's throat, back of the nose, or front of the nose. The swab is put inside a sealed container containing a medium that preserves the virus, which is sent to test-processing centres in the corresponding province or territory. At the centres, highly skilled technicians use large commercial machines from a variety of manufactures to process tens to hundreds batches of samples at a time. The test chemically strips the RNA from the sample then mixes it with a test kit containing chemical reagents designed to detect RNA signatures of SARS-CoV-2. The sample is cycled between a set of temperatures to amplify the chemical RNA signature. This leads to processing times that range from 4 to 24 hours.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=cobas® 8800 System |url=https://diagnostics.roche.com/global/en/products/systems/cobas-8800-system.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502075545/https://diagnostics.roche.com/global/en/products/systems/cobas-8800-system.html |archive-date=May 2, 2020 |access-date=April 27, 2020 |website=diagnostics.roche.com}} The actual RT-PCR test is 99 percent accurate. However, false-negative results are estimated to occur 8 to 10 percent of the time due to poor swabbing technique. They may be as high as 30 percent, depending on how long after symptom onset the test was performed.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Canadian company says its coronavirus test could enhance screening |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6855767/canadian-company-coronavirus-test-screening/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429123400/https://globalnews.ca/news/6855767/canadian-company-coronavirus-test-screening/ |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=Global News}}{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=von Stackleberg |first=Marina |date=April 15, 2020 |title=False negative COVID-19 tests caused by testing too early, faulty swab technique: microbiologist |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid-19-false-negatives-1.5532595 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503044823/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid-19-false-negatives-1.5532595 |archive-date=May 3, 2020}}

LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. of Fredericton produced reagent test kits to use with automated RT-PCR machines. On April 15, Trudeau announced that the company would be "ramping up production ... to meet the weekly demand in all provinces."{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=April 15, 2020 |title=Fredericton company gets federal contract to supply COVID-19 test chemicals for country |url=https://www.cbc.ca/1.5533133 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924012026/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-luminultra-fredericton-chemical-test-trudeau-1.5533133 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |publisher=CBC News}} The company announced the same day that it would provide "500,000 urgently needed COVID-19 tests per week to the Canadian federal government for use across Canada."

Spartan Bioscience of Ottawa signed contracts with the federal government and the provinces of Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario to supply virus-RNA testing systems that process a single swab sample in 30 to 60 minutes.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 13, 2020 |title=Ontario orders close to one million Spartan Bioscience portable COVID-19 test kits |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/04/13/ontario-orders-close-to-one-million-spartan-bioscience-portable-covid-19-test-kits.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427173046/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/04/13/ontario-orders-close-to-one-million-spartan-bioscience-portable-covid-19-test-kits.html |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=Toronto Star}} Together the contracts were for over one million swab test kits, and at least 250 handheld devices.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=News - Spartan Bioscience Inc. |url=https://www.spartanbio.com/company/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506173909/https://www.spartanbio.com/company/news/ |archive-date=May 6, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=spartanbio.com}} On April 13, Health Canada approved this test, but on May 3 the test was recalled due to unreliable results.{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Rapid test for COVID-19 recalled after Health Canada expresses concerns |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-rapid-test-for-covid-19-recalled-after-health-canada-expresses-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503233050/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-rapid-test-for-covid-19-recalled-after-health-canada-expresses-2/ |archive-date=May 3, 2020}}

Precision Biomonitoring of Guelph signed a Letter of Intent on March 31 with the federal government to co-develop a novel point-of-care test kit for COVID-19, which is now pending an authorization from Health Canada.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Partnerships with Canadian industry to fight the COVID-19 pandemic |date=March 31, 2020 |url=https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/31/partnerships-canadian-industry-fight-covid-19-pandemic |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426031115/https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/31/partnerships-canadian-industry-fight-covid-19-pandemic |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |publisher=Government of Canada}} Their 1.2 kg battery-operated mobile device performs nine tests per hour and takes 60 minutes to produce a result.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Guelph company shifts focus and creates a 60-minute COVID-19 test |url=https://www.guelphtoday.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/guelph-company-shifts-focus-and-creates-a-60-minute-covid-19-test-2285974 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512105627/https://www.guelphtoday.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/guelph-company-shifts-focus-and-creates-a-60-minute-covid-19-test-2285974 |archive-date=May 12, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=GuelphToday.com|date=April 27, 2020 }}

Bio-ID Diagnostics of Edmonton developed a direct 24-hour virus test that could be scaled to 20,000 samples per day. Since it is based on sequencing DNA it avoids false positives, and it detects a low concentration of the virus, substantially reducing false negatives in asymptomatic individuals.

On October 5, Health Canada approved a portable PCR test – the Hyris bCUBE —which was based on technology developed at the University of Guelph and can process tests in 90 minutes.{{#invoke:Cite|web|last=Banger |first=Chase |date=October 5, 2020 |title=Health Canada approves rapid COVID-19 test based on Guelph research |url=https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/health-canada-approves-rapid-covid-19-test-based-on-guelph-research-1.5132955 |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=Kitchener}}{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=September 28, 2020 |title=Rapid testing becoming the new focus in the fight against COVID-19 |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/rapid-testing-becoming-the-new-focus-in-the-fight-against-covid-19-1.5124227 |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=Coronavirus}}

These blood tests look for antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and range in complexity from laboratory tests to at-home kits similar to pregnancy tests.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 20, 2020 |title=COVID-19 community spread in Ontario has likely reached its peak, new modelling shows |url=https://ipolitics.ca/2020/04/20/covid-19-community-spread-in-ontario-has-likely-reached-its-peak-new-modelling-shows/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501181356/https://ipolitics.ca/2020/04/20/covid-19-community-spread-in-ontario-has-likely-reached-its-peak-new-modelling-shows/ |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020}} Antibodies do not form immediately upon infection, so these tests are not well-suited for detecting a current infection. However, they can potentially identify those who have been infected in the past. Health Canada has been evaluating several antibody tests. Health Canada deemed that "Serological tests are not appropriate for early diagnosis of COVID-19, largely due variability in the time required after infection to develop antibodies." On May 12, 2020, Health Canada announced the first antibody test approved for use, a laboratory test from DiaSorin, an Italian multinational biotechnology company.{{#invoke:Cite|news|title=Health Canada approves serological test to detect COVID-19 antibodies |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-health-canada-approves-serological-test-to-detect-covid-19-antibodies-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513161753/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-health-canada-approves-serological-test-to-detect-covid-19-antibodies-2/ |archive-date=May 13, 2020}} Health Canada wrote that the trial would "contribute to a better understanding of whether people who have been infected are immune to the virus."

Health Canada posts "studies will be required to determine how long the antibodies remain detectable, whether for weeks, months or years" and "the relationship between antibodies and immunity to future viral infection." Nonetheless, many countries are conducting or planning large-scale testing to determine the population's proportion that are potentially immune. As of April 20, the WHO estimated that the most affected countries had at most 2 to 3 percent of people infected.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Boseley |first=Sarah |date=April 20, 2020 |title=WHO warns that few have developed antibodies to Covid-19 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/20/studies-suggest-very-few-have-had-covid-19-without-symptoms |url-status=live |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501054515/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/20/studies-suggest-very-few-have-had-covid-19-without-symptoms |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |issn=0261-3077}} On April 23, 2020, Trudeau created a COVID-19 Immunity Task Force of researchers, including Dr. Tam, Dr. David Naylor, and Dr. Mona Nemer, to coordinate monitoring of immunity and vulnerability to COVID-19 in the Canadian population.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Prime Minister announces new support for COVID-19 medical research and vaccine development |url=https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/23/prime-minister-announces-new-support-covid-19-medical-research-and |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501160841/https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/23/prime-minister-announces-new-support-covid-19-medical-research-and |archive-date=May 1, 2020}} The taskforce will oversee national antibody surveys over the next two years in which will test one million Canadians. Researchers at Sinai Health's Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto are developing a robotic system that can process mass numbers of antibody tests.{{#invoke:Cite|web|date=April 7, 2020 |title=COVID-19 roundup: Made-in-Canada solutions |url=https://thelogic.co/news/covid-19-roundup-made-in-canada-solutions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430031946/https://thelogic.co/news/covid-19-roundup-made-in-canada-solutions/ |archive-date=April 30, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=The Logic}}

MedMira of Halifax developed one of the first rapid detection kits for HIV and has now developed a COVID-19 antibody test that takes three minutes from taking the blood drop specimen.{{#invoke:Cite|news|last=Laroche |first=Jean |date=April 17, 2020 |title=N.S. research company develops antibody test for COVID-19 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/1.5535816 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924012034/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/medmira-covid-19-virus-business-dartmouth-research-antibody-test-1.5535816 |archive-date=September 24, 2020}}

Plantform Corp. of Guelph applied for funding from the National Research Council to develop an antibody test for COVID-19.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Guelph, Ont., company to develop blood test for COVID-19 immunity |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6787778/guelph-company-test-covid-19-immunity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429052216/https://globalnews.ca/news/6787778/guelph-company-test-covid-19-immunity/ |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |website=Global News}}

File:Boîte test rapide Covid-19 Rapid Response BTNX EN.jpg

Tests for antigens, proteins that are part of the virus's surface, were first approved by Health Canada on October 6, when it approved and ordered 20.5 million units of one manufactured by Abbott Laboratories as a point-of-care test.{{#invoke:Cite|news|date=October 6, 2020 |title=Health Canada approves first rapid antigen COVID-19 test, feds plan to buy 20 million |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/health-canada-antigen-test-abbott-1.5751939 |access-date=October 6, 2020 |publisher=CBC News}} They can produce results faster than PCR tests (around 20 minutes) but are generally less accurate than PCR tests. Abbott states that they are designed for preliminary results and not intended "as the sole basis for treatment or other management decisions." Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Howard Njoo stated these tests could be deployed in workplaces and communal living environments.

Sona Nanotech of Halifax was developing point-of-care COVID-19 antigen test kits that provide results in 5–15 minutes with an anticipating cost to be less than $50. If successful, the project will yield 20,000 test kits available per week, with the potential to scale up to 1 million test kits per week.{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Coronavirus – Sona Nanotech |url=https://sonanano.com/coronavirus/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424193539/https://sonanano.com/coronavirus/ |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020}}

As of 15 April 2023, total COVID-19 death statistics by Canadian province were: Ontario: 15,786; Quebec: 18,164; British Columbia: 5,007; Alberta: 5,584; Manitoba: 2,319; Saskatchewan: 1,880; Nova Scotia: 773; New Brunswick: 762; Newfoundland and Labrador: 316; Prince Edward Island: 90; Northwest Territories: 22; Yukon: 31; and Nunavut: 7. In Canada, the total number of COVID-19 deaths as of this date was approximately 51,921.{{Cite report| title = COVID deaths by province or territory Canada 2023| work = Statista| access-date = 2024-08-12| url = https://www.statista.com/statistics/1107079/covid19-deaths-by-province-territory-canada/}}

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In her October 2023 report, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada{{emdash}}Dr. Teresa Tam cited the 2022 Lancet Commission report which described how COVID-19 had an uneven impact on vulnerable groups revealing stark disparities in how different segments of society were affected, highlighting pre-existing inequalities and vulnerabilities. The most impacted groups included essential workers, elderly population, indigenous communities, homeless individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, those with mental health or substance abuse issues.{{Cite conference| title = Full report: The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2023| access-date = 2024-08-12| date = 2023-10-24|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/publications/chief-public-health-officer-reports-state-public-health-canada/state-public-health-canada-2023/report.html}}{{rp|8}}{{Cite web| title = The Lancet Commission on lessons for the future from the COVID-19 pandemic |work=The Lancet| access-date = 2024-08-12| url = https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01585-9/fulltext|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01585-9 |date=September 2022}} The Lancet report stressed the importance of equity-focused resilience to address these disparities. Dr. Tam said it was crucial to prioritize equity in resilience-building efforts to ensure fair distribution of social and economic safeguards, safe and stable housing, and access to culturally appropriate healthcare. She listed key insights learned from the pandemic, including recognizing and addressing inequalities in impact and access, understanding community-specific challenges, leveraging cross-sector collaboration, and empowering trusted local organizations. Future responses would include incorporate health promotion into emergency plans, prioritizing community involvement throughout the planning cycle, and focusing on equity in emergency management research and technology.

Policy Options{{emdash}}a magazine published by the Institute for Research on Public Policy{{emdash}}published a report that assessed Canada's response to the pandemic in March 2024.{{Cite report|first1=Charles |last1=Breton |first2=Ji |last2=Yoon Han|first3=David |last3=McLaughlin|first4=Caroline|last4=Woodward| title = Resilient Institutions: Learning from Canada's COVID-19 Pandemic|date=March 2024| access-date = 12 August 2024| url = https://centre.irpp.org/research-studies/resilient-institutions-learning-from-canadas-covid-19-pandemic/|publisher=Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP Report)|location=Montreal|issn= 2817-8114|pages=80}}{{Cite conference| last = Craig| first = Chris| title = 2020 Pandemic: Resilient Canadian Higher Education Institutions Will Integrate OER| date = 2020-09-16|url=http://www.iiis.org/CDs2020/CD2020Summer/papers/EA596LT.pdf}}

• 2020 in Canada
• 2021 in Canada
• 2022 in Canada
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Canada
• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory
• COVID-19 pandemic in North America
• Canada convoy protests
• National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Healthcare in Canada
• Nursing home care in Canada

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• [https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update] Health Canada
• [https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/public-health-measures-mitigate-covid-19.html Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada]
• [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases] and [https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19 historical data] by Johns Hopkins University
• Wikiversity:COVID-19/All-cause deaths/Canada

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Canada

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Category:2020 disasters in Canada

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