Canada's response to coronavirus, how we can do it better

Mar 18th, 2020

The Canadian government's response to the coronavirus has been a total failure for people and businesses. Its slow and incomplete, currently, the borders are still open, while Trump closed his countries borders early. They're are virtually no screenings happening, flights from China are still landing, illegal immigrants still being granted entry ... the measures in place are irresponsible and a request to self-isolate are largely ignored.

We know early cases of infection are from contact with Iranian and Chinese travellers, but instead of restricting travel from these high risk countries (and Italy), the government throws accusation of racism at anyone making these suggestions.

Quebec has its first case of #COVID19 in Montreal from Iran. That’s few from Iran in Canada. On Wed w virus spread to countries like Iran & Italy, QC added 5 countries to watch list to test more ppl for #Coronavirus. what other prov’s can test any1 know? https://t.co/UJMVu5TK2R

— Bev (@Avalon709) February 28, 2020

The monetary measures promised are confusing, filled with bureaucracy and ripe for abuse. We need to move fast, but responsibly to ensure our citizens are safe and our business are in a position to start back up quickly after the threat has passed.

What should we be doing? We need to stop importing the virus, immediately close the border to everyone, and put returning Canadians into monitored quarantine. And to slow the spread we need to inform our citizens why they should be restricting their travel and temporarily suspend most business operations.

The way forward is a with a two part plan:

Short Term Plan

• Limits on purchasing of masks, sanitizers, food and other essential to guarantee we all have what we need and limit profiteering
• Immediate closing of all borders ( including illegal migrants, students on visas and TFW). Having only three exceptions; those transporting essential goods, medial professionals and technicians, agricultural workers to safeguard the continuity of our domestic food supplies
• Those allowed to enter will be tracked, their temperature will be checked, anyone with fever / cough will be denied entry and their movement will be restricted to only where they need to go to perform their tasks
• Mandatory 2 week monitored quarantine (no self-isolation) for all returning Canadians
• Self quarantine for all Canadians at home and suspension of most business operations
• Low interest loans (0.5% APR and up to $675/week) available to all Canadians, 120 day payback. Meant to help Canadian get by during this difficult time

Long term Plan

• Boost money spent on health care and testing
• Require Canadians in public to wear face masks (after supplies have been replenished) and keep safe distances
• Strict immigration rules, preventing anyone sick from entering the country

The Liberal government doesn't have any plan, they're just hoping you don't notice.

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