Up to 26M Canadians could be infected, feds warn
As the Liberal government announced $1 billion to battle coronavirus, Health Minister Patty Hajdu said COVID-19 could ultimately infect between 30 and 70 per cent of Canadians.
Hajdu was facing questions in committee from the NDP’S health critic Don Davies about the potential spread of the disease in Canada and just how prepared the government was to handle an increase in cases.
“Can we expect a thousand or 5,000? Do you have those numbers or not? I have asked this question repeatedly and I am never getting an answer from the government,” said Davies at the committee.
Hajdu said the government is preparing for the worst, because so much is unknown.
“It is irresponsible to give you a number, because we don’t know. The science is not clear, because there are a range of numbers that have happened in various countries,” she said. “I would say it is safe to assume that it could be between 30 per cent of the population — that acquire COVID-19 — and 70 per cent.”
That would mean of Canada’s 37.6 million people, somewhere between 11. 3 million and 26.3 million could contract the virus.
Davies asked how the government would keep up with the demand for items like respirators, if that many Canadians got sick.
Hajdu said they’re planning to buy more supplies, but their efforts are about flattening the curve of cases, so the health system isn’t suddenly overwhelmed.
“The intent of flattening the curve is to ensure that everyone doesn’t get sick at once,” she said. “We all have a role to play in reducing the curve; the curve, the extreme peak of illness all at once, is what puts your health system in crisis.”
Earlier Wednesday, the government announced $1 billion for a variety of measures meant to reduce the risk that the virus will spread rapidly.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the money will include $500 million to the provinces to aid their responses as well as $275 million for research. There was also $100 million for the federal response, which includes support to national testing labs, Indigenous communities and bulk buying of protective equipment.
“I want all premiers and all Canadians to know our government is here for you. We will make sure you have everything you need,” said Trudeau.
Canada’s premiers are coming to Ottawa for previously scheduled first minister’s meetings on Thursday and Friday.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said he appreciates the support, but the federal transfer will amount to about $60 million for his province, which is shy of what they expect the virus will cost the health system.
Trudeau also announced a change to the employment insurance program, waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period.