Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians will need to do everything possible to limit the spread of coronavirus if they want to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.
Speaking to 980 CFPL in London, Ont. on Friday, Trudeau warned that Canada needs to reverse the upward trend in coronavirus cases if there is to be any in-person festivities this holiday season.
“It depends on what people do right now. We’re seeing those numbers spike in the wrong direction and if people act now, we can stop that,” he said.
“If you want to gather with your loved ones at Christmas, even in a restrained way, we’re going to have to make sure that we change the trend lines on this COVID crisis right now.”
On November 12, the number of new coronavirus cases reached 5,516, the highest increase to date. In recent days Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario have seen new restrictions imposed.
Trudeau said that new lockdowns are a possibility and that his government is pushing the provinces to take aggressive action to prevent coronavirus cases from accelerating.
“The federal government will continue to be there to support (provinces and territories) and encourage them to make those difficult decisions to shut things down now so things don’t get too bad in the coming months.”
At a press conference on Friday, Trudeau promised the federal government will be there for provinces and individuals financially if they return to full lockdowns.
This week, Manitoba announced a provincewide lockdown as coronavirus cases continue to increase. Gatherings are limited to five people, in-person religious services are banned, and all non-essential businesses are limited to pickup or delivery.
