Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled an additional $1.1 billion medical and research strategy, saying increased testing and further understanding of COVID-19 is necessary as Canadians continue to fight the pandemic.
In his daily address Thursday morning, Trudeau stated that 20,000 Canadians are currently being tested for the virus daily – but also says this is “not enough”, and more testing needs to be done.
Nearly one third of the National Medical and Research Strategy will go towards expanding national testing and modelling, in an effort to better understand the virus’ transmission and thereby prevent the spread of COVID-19 while a vaccine is being developed.
The Prime Minister said that a vaccine is indeed the long-term solution, but until that is developed, the country looks to slow transmission and start reopening the economy — hence the $350 million going towards more testing and modelling.
There will also be an additional $115 million towards more research on vaccines and treatments, and the largest portion of the funding, $662 million, will be dedicated to clinical trials to test the vaccines and treatments as they are created.
Trudeau has also announced a new COVID-19 immunity task force, which will be comprised of some of Canada’s top doctors, including Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, and Dr. David Naylor, who has advised Liberal and Conservative governments on health and science issues.
The task force will focus on blood testing to track and understand COVID-19, as well as those who may have gained immunity to the virus.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,672,337.
Over 186,900 people have died from the illness and 731,825 have made a full recovery.
