Canada Completes Over 220,000 COVID-19 Tests, Armed Forces Ready to Deploy

There are 6,671 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, with 66 deaths.

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr Theresa Tam indicated there are more than 220,000 completed tests in Canada with 3% confirmed positive. Only 7% of the total cases required hospitalization, 3% are critically ill and 1% have been fatal.

Dr. Tam spoke on the accuracy of tests, which have been validated by labs that can confirm cases, but testing someone too early or not properly can bring a negative test. She says that it depends on the circumstances but there will be clinical judgment on who needs to be re-tested, but the actual test is very specific and sensitive to a positive diagnosis. Explaining, Canada’s rate of testing per capita is among the highest in the world, and everything is being done to increase the number of people being tested in the country, including new testing methods that could possibly be validated in the future.

With important religious events coming up Dr. Tam is asking people to plan ahead. She says people need to continue to stay at home during these times.

“Easter, Passover, Vaisakhi and Ramadan. Now is the time when all assembly needs to happen virtually, prepare ahead to connect through social media, over the phone, and internet.”

Dr. Tam also once again stressed to travelers returning home to Canada that they are required now by law to return home immediately, do not stop for groceries or essential supplies, pick-up the phone and order what is needed, or get someone to help do so, and self-isolate for 14 days.

Armed Forces Ready to Support Canadians

The Canadian Armed forces are on stand by and ready to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the armed forces are considered a last resort by the government, the forces will be able to respond depending on the needs of the provinces.

Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan, says early decisions were made to make sure the Armed Forces are healthy.

“It is why early in this crisis, the Chief of Defense Staff directed many of (The Armed Forces) to engage in physical distancing, to stay home, to stay healthy and ready to respond.”

The Armed Forces have been directed to create a mobilization plan that could see up to 24,000 members deployed across Canada if necessary. Sajjan says minor adjustments are being made to international commitments to keep forces safe and so any adversaries don’t take advantage of pandemic situation.