Strong words from Canada’s Health Minister to those who don’t follow public health recommendations in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patty Hajdu says the federal government will use every option stop the spread of the virus, including possibly fining or charging people under the Quarantine Act.
“This is of utmost importance, and I will speak directly to those people who are returning to Canada from March Break, or the snowbirds who are coming back. When we say that you must stay at home for 14 days, that means you stay at home for 14 days,” Hajdu emphasizes. “That you do not stop for groceries, that you do not go visit your neighbours or your friends, that you rest in your house for 14 days, no exceptions.”
The Health Minister says it’s important to self-isolate or keep your distance even if there are no confirmed cases in your area.
When asked about a possible backlog of COVID-19 tests in Ontario, Hajdu says the federal and provincial Officers of Health are in discussions about the standards to be followed.
“We know that various provinces have various problems and challenges, but also assets and strengths, and what we’re trying to do is make sure that as we go into the next week we have a much more unified approach across the country,” Hajdu says.
