Prime Minister Trudeau updated Canadians on the federal government’s response plan to the coronavirus pandemic this morning, clarifying that starting on April 6th Canadians can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
The benefit was created to support workers and help businesses keep their employees, and includes $2,000 per month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trudeau has stated that qualifying Canadians can register for the CERB online, and once the application is approved, applicants should receive the benefit in 3-5 days if they’ve signed up for direct deposit and 10 days if it’s coming by mail.
He also said that people would not be eligible for the benefit if they are set to get the new 75% wage subsidy – they would get one or the other.
The Prime Minister called this “the largest economic program in Canadian history” and also believes Parliament should be reconvened to assess it.
He has asked the government house leader and deputy Prime Minister to reach out to the opposition parties about bringing back Parliament once again, to consider the expansions being made to COVID-19 financial aid.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
As of the time of publication, there are 1,013 cases of COVID-19 in B.C. including 67 on Vancouver Island.
In good news, a total of 507 people have now recovered from novel coronavirus in B.C. This represents an approximate 50% recovery rate.
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 887,907.
Over 44,290 people have died from the illness and 185,585 have made a full recovery.
