Research guides: Canadian government information: COVID-19

COVID-19

"You cannot fight a fire blindfolded"*

Stay informed with government information on our battle with COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus.

"Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019." (Q&A, WHO)

*Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO

Updates from Governments & IGOs

Federal
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (Government of Canada)
- Department of Finance Canada provides updates on the fight against COVID-19 (December 14, 2021) [Backgrounder] [Backgrounder]
Provincial
- Government of Ontario
- Provincial and territorial resources for COVID-19
Municipal
- City of Toronto
- List of Ontario municipalities
- Pandemic Response Documents (Municipal World)
Roles and responsibilities of government during COVID-19 (Appendix A, Discussion Guide for Toronto's Community Agencies)
International
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United States
- Europe
- OECD

Public health & mental health services

Public Health Authorities
- Government of Canada 1-833-784-4397
- Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
- Toronto Public Health Hotline 416-338-7600
- Public Health Authorities contact information for each province and territory
Public Health Units (Ontario)
Mental health services
- Taking care of your mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic (Government of Canada)
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
- Mental health, wellness and addictions support (Government of Ontario)
- Provincial/Territorial Emergency Phone Crisis Lines (Sheltersafe)
- Provincial and Territorial COVID-19 resources (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Support for senior and people with disabilities (PWD) (Ontario)
- Seniors Safety Line: 1-866-299-1011
- Ontario Caregiver Helpline: 1-833-416-2273 or connect to live chat online
Get help with problematic substance use (Government of Canada)
- Community, provincial, and, national support and services
Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre (Women and Gender Equality Canada)
- Crisis lines for those affected by gender-based violence
City of Toronto
- Book vaccine appointment
- COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Toronto
- Toronto region COVID-19 Assessment centres
- Find local services
- COVID-19: mental health resources

Outbreak updates

World
- WHO
  - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation dashboard
  - Situation reports
- Download today’s data on the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases worldwide (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
- COVID-19 Global cases (John Hopkins): real time tracking
- COVID-19 update (International Society for Infectious Disease)
- Tracking COVID-19 over time (Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto)
Canada
- Outbreak update (Government of Canada)
- Epidemiological summary of COVID-19 cases in Canada
- Public Health Infobase: Data on COVID-19 in Canada
- Interactive case map and data summary
- Case count dashboard (Canada Open Data Working Group)
- COVID-19 resources (arcs.com)
Provincial and territorial reporting
Ontario
- Summary of cases in Ontario including Variant data
  - Daily epidemiological summaries
  - Weekly epidemiological summaries
- Status of cases in Ontario
- COVID-19 case data in your region or community
- COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres
- Epidemiological summaries
- Data Tool
- Datasets
- Wilfrid Laurier University Library Research Data Repository Dataverse
Toronto
- Status of cases in Toronto
- City of Toronto Data on COVID-19
  - Cases by episode date, by outbreak type by week, by age, by gender
  - Age group by episode week proportion, Age group rate count by episode week
  - Socio-demographic COVID-19 data (July 30, 2020)
China
- 疫情通报 (in Chinese) (National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China)
Data Literacy
- What does that graph mean? U of T statistician on understanding COVID-19 numbers
- Critically evaluating data sources (Map & Data Library, University of Toronto)

Timeline

December 2019

December 31: WHO China Country Office is informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China (Situation report, 21 January 2020, WHO)
December 31: Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN) alerts Canadian public health practitioners about the pneumonia outbreak in China [GPHIN] [Digital health and analytics]

January 2020

January 1: Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan city is closed
January 2: Incident management system is activated across the three levels of WHO (Situation report, 21 Jan. 2020, WHO)
January 3: Wuhan police punished eight medical personnel including Dr. Li Wenliang for "spreading rumours" on a new coronavirus
January 5: Fudan University in China submitted the complete genome of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 isolate Wuhan-Hu-1
- [MN908947.3]
January 12: "The (Chinese) government reports that there is no clear evidence that the virus passes easily from person to person"
January 12: China shares the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus
January 14: "There may have been limited human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus" (WHO)
January 19: Dr. Zhong Nanshan, China's renowned respiratory disease expert, declared that there was "human-to-human transmission"
January 23: Wuhan is put in lockdown
January 25: First presumptive confirmed case in Canada, related to travel in Wuhan
January 26: "There is no clear evidence that this virus is spread easily from person to person.The risk to Canadians remains low." [@CPHO_Canada]
January 27: "The incubation period of the virus range from 2-10 days" (Situation Report-7, WHO)
January 30: WHO declares a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

February 2020

February 6: Dr. Li Wenliang, the whistleblower who was warned by the Wuhan police, died from the virus (WHO, Feb. 6, 2020)
February 7: Canadians are repatriated from Wuhan, to be quarantined at CFB Trenton
February 11: WHO announces a name for the new coronavirus disease: COVID-19
February 21: Canadians are repatriated on the Grand Princess cruise ship in Japan, to be quarantined at NAV Centre in Cornwall

March 2020 (Wave 1: March - August 2020)

March 4: Prime Minister (PM) announces the creation of a new Cabinet committee on COVID-19
March 5: Canada's first known case of community transmission was reported in B.C.
March 6: Government of Canada (GC) invests $27M in coronavirus research [Details of the funded projects]
March 7: Canada's first long-term care facility outbreak is recorded in B.C.
March 9: Canada's first death related to COVID-19 confirmed in B.C.
March 11: WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic
March 11: PM announces a more than $1 billion Response Fund
March 12: Government of Ontario announces public schools would be closed from March 14 to April 5, 2020
March 13: Financial Administration Act amended [Bill C-12] to enable the government to request that the Governor General sign special warrants to approve spending while Parliament is not sitting
March 13: Parliament adjourned until April 20, 2020 pursuant to Standing Order 2 8(2) and 24(1)
March 13: Quebec declares a public health emergency [renewal: March 20, March 29, April 15, April 22, June 30, July 8, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, August 26, September 9, October 28, November 4, December 16]
March 16: GC advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel and return to Canada asap
March 16: GC announces barring foreign nationals except the US from entering Canada
March 16: Prince Edward Island declares a public health emergency [April 16 renewal]
March 17: Ontario enacts a Declaration of emergency [renewal: March 30, April 11, April 23 May 6, May 12, June 24, November 20]
March 17: Alberta declares public health emergency
March 18: GC announces the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan [COVID-19 Economic Response Plan]
March 18: Declared public health emergencies:
- British Columbia [renewal: March 31, April 15, April 29, June 10, July 7, July 21, August 18, September 1, September 15, October 27, November 10]
- Newfoundland and Labrador, [April 16 renewal]
- Yukon announcement [Orders] (March 27) [renewal: June 12]
- Nunavut [renewal: July 23, August 6, August 21, October 2, October 15, November 12]
- Saskatchewan
March 19: GC funds 49 additional COVID-19 research projects [Details of the funded projects]
March 19: New Brunswick declares a state of emergency [renewal: March 25, April 1, April 16, April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, October 15, October 30, November 6, November 13]
March 20: PM announces Canada's plan to mobilize industry to fight COVID-19 [New measures]
March 20: Ontario waives the three-month waiting period for OHIP
March 20: Ontario launches first phase of the Learn at Home Portal
March 20: Alberta appoints the Economic Recovery Council
March 22: Nova Scotia declares a state of emergency [Provincial State of Emergency]
March 23: Toronto mayor declares a State of Emergency; [one month check in]
March 23: Ontario orders the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces [List of essential workplaces]
March 23: Ontario provides $200 million to support municipalities, food banks, homeless shelters and individuals [Backgrounder]
March 24: Assembly of First Nations declares State of Emergency
March 24: Northwest Territories declares a State of Emergency [renewal: April 2, April 15, April 28, June 24, July 7, August 18, October 28, November 10, December 17]
March 24: PM solicited the views of premiers on the federal Emergency Act
March 24: Standing Order 17 suspended to allow only 32 (out of 338) MPs at the House of Commons to debate Bill C-13
- [House of Commons Debates. March 24, 2020]
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Act received Royal Assent [Bill C-13]
- Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to help workers and businesses [CERB]
March 24: Ontario provides electricity relief [renewal: COVID-19 Recovery Rate, June 1 - Oct. 31, 2020]
March 25: GC issues a 14-days mandatory isolation order for people entering Canada effective March 25, 2020 [PC: 2020-0175]
- Prohibition on entry into Canada from elsewhere than US [PC: 2020-0184]
- Prohibition on entry into Canada from US [PC: 2020-0185]
March 25: Ontario's Action Plan outlines a $1.7 billion response package Economic and fiscal update, March 2020]
March 26: GC announces the details of the Indigenous Community Support Fund [Indigenous Community Support Fund]
March 27: Manitoba declares a state of emergency [renewal: April 20, May 15, June 15, July 14, August 12]
March 28: Ontario prohibits gatherings of more than five people

April 2020

April 3: Ontario reduces the list of essential businesses [list of essential businesses]
April 9: GC launches Canada Emergency Business Account. [CEBA]
April 11: COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No.2 received Royal Assent [Bill C-14]
- to help businesses keep Canadians in their jobs: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
April 13: Public Health Agency of Canada releases interim guidance for long-term care homes
April 14: GC issues Mandatory Isolation Order for people entering Canada, No. 2 [PC: 2020-0260]
April 14: GC announces that RCMP, local and provincial police forces can issue tickets to individuals who do not comply with orders under the Federal Quarantine Act
April 20: Canada Armed Forces are deployed to support long-term care facilities in Quebec
April 20: The High River meat-packing plant in Alberta closed temporarily as cases of COVID-19 spike
April 23: PM announces new support for COVID-19 medical research & vaccine development
- COVID-19 Immunity Task Force
- Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN)
- International Vaccine Center (VIDO-InterVac)
April 23: Saskatchewan announces Phase One To Re-Open Saskatchewan beginning May 4, 2020 [Re-open plan]
April 24: Prime Minister announces the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small business [CECRA]
April 24: Canada Armed Forces are deployed to support Ontario long-term care home [May 26 Key findings]
April 24: New Brunswick announces first phase recovery plan [Community Guidance]
April 26: Ontario extends school closures until at least May 31, 2020
April 27: GC launches applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
April 27: Quebec announces reopening plan [Gradual resumption of activities]
April 27: Ontario unveils guiding principles to reopen the province
April 28: Prince Edward Island announces phased reopening plan beginning May 1, 2020 [Renew PEI together]
April 28: Yukon announces lifting of restrictions and new guidelines for social gatherings
April 29: Manitoba announces a phased approach to reopen the economy beginning May 4, 2020
April 30: Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates the federal budget deficit would increase to:
- $24.9 billion in 2019/20
- $252.1 billion in 2020/21
April 30: Alberta announces a phased relaunch beginning May 14, 2020 [Alberta's relaunch strategy]

May 2020

May 1: Canadian Emergency Student Benefits Act (Bill C-15) received Royal Assent [CESB]
May 1: Ontario allows certain business to reopen on May 4, 2020 [Framework for reopening]
May 1: Ontario provides support for industrial and commercial electricity consumers [renewal June 26]
May 1: Nova Scotia releases restriction updates
May 4: City of Toronto to begin opening community gardens and allotment gardens
May 4: Manitoba court confirms date (May 26) to reopen trials
May 5: PM announces support to farmers, food businesses, and food processors
- Emergency Processing Fund
- AgriRecovery Framework
May 5: Quebec relaxes COVID-19 restrictions on some seniors' homes
May 6: British Columbia outlines plan to restart B.C. safely [Restart Plan] [COVID-19 Go-Forward Management Strategy]
May 8: GC announcs new Industry Strategy Council
May 8: Ontario eases restrictions on professional sports training facilities
May 8: Newfoundland Labrador eases restrictions on provincial ferries [NFLD's Alert Level System]
May 8: Nova Scotia announces that students will finish school on June 5
May 8: City of Toronto announces plan to support retail stores' re-opening for pickup and delivery service [CurbTO]
May 11: Ontario retail stores open for curbside pickup and delivery
May 12: National Research Council & CanSino Biologics Inc. announces collaboration to advance vaccine [Ad5-nCoV]
May 12: Health Canada authorizes the first COVID-19 serological test for use in Canada [Testing devices]
May 13: FedNor launches Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to support local economies [RRRF]
May 14: PM announces new support for Canada's fish harvesters
May 14: Parks Canada will offer limited visitor access starting June 1 [Plan your visit]
May 14: Ontario announces additional workplaces that can reopen [Safety guidance] [Workplace PPE supplier directory]
May 16: GC works with the United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and the Community Foundations of Canada to disburse the $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund [ECSF]
May 19: Ontario announces Independent Commission into Long-Term Care
May 19: Ontario announces schools remain closed for the rest of the school year
May 19: Ontario announces collaboration with Med-Tech Innovation Hub in the Fight Against COVID-19 [MIX]
May 19: GC announces support to farmers (CEBA) [May 22 update]
May 20: GC announces support program for large employers is open for applications (LEEFF)
May 20: Ontario reopens: people urged to continue following Public Health advice which includes face covering recommendations
May 21: PM announces additional support for Indigenous people living in urban centres and off reserve
May 22: GC announces online tool [Find financial help during COVID-19]
May 22: Ontario announces new programs: focus on hospitality workers and apprentices
May 23: City of Toronto releases statement on Trinity Bellwoods Park
May 25: Ontario hospitals assume management of two long-term care homes
May 26: MPs voted on Motion for Closure: Standing Committee on the COVID-19 and Parliament [May 26, 2020 Journal]
May 26: Ontario outlines key findings from the Canadian Armed Forces report on the five long-term care homes
- [Report was written on May 14] (Oral Questions on May 26, 2020 HofC Hansard)
May 27: Ontario extends Emergency Orders until June 9, 2020
May 27: Quebec releases Canadian military report on long-term care facilities in Quebec
May 27: Minister of Health authorizes a few changes for clinical trials [list of approved clinical trials]
May 27: New Brunswick announces that Zone 5 transitioning back to Orange level
May 27: Ontario has deploys teams to conduct inspections at high-risk long-term care homes over the next 21 days
May 28: Ontario extendes Mandate of Incident Management System Long-term Care Table
May 29: City of Toronto opens applications for Community Crisis Response Fund with updated COVID-19 criteria
May 29: City of Toronto works with downtown employers to extend working from home efforts
- [Recovery & Rebuild]
May 30: Ontario increases the emergency payment to eligible retirement home residents
- Retirement Home Act, 2010 regulation

June 2020

June 1: Ontario announces the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave for non-unionized employees
- Bill 186
June 1: City of Toronto & United Way Greater Toronto announces a Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy for homelessness
June 2: Supplementary Estimates (A) 2020-21 account for $6 billion spending plans tabled in the House of Commons
- Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020 -21
- Main Estimates 2020-21
June 2: Ontario issues an order appointing new management at Kitchener long-term care home
June 3: Transport Canada announces new measures for the use of face coverings
June 3: Ontario announces plan to improve Broadband and Cell services for rural communities [Action plan]
June 4: PM announces special payment in July for seniors
June 4: Ontario appoints special advisor to develop the new Ontario Health Data Platform
June 4: City of Toronto launches CaféTO plan to help create more outdoor space for local restaurants and bars
June 4: Ontario Hospital assumes interim management of Woodbridge Vista Care Community in Vaughan
June 4: Ontario creates Council to advise government on challenges facing youth

June 5: PM announces a special one-time, tax-free payment to certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) [Disability tax credit]
June 5: A new Canadian Agricultural Partnership program is introduced to support Alberta's Beekeepers
June 8: Canada Border Services announces changes to travel restrictions for immediate family members of Canadian citizens & permanent residents
June 8: Ontario announces Stage 2 of reopening effective June 12, 2020 [Stage 2 reopening Ontario]
June 8: Ontario will increase the limit on social gathering from five to 10 people effective June 12, 2020
June 8: Ontario will permit no more than 30% of the building capacity for all places of worship effective June 12, 2020
June 8: Albertans can access 20 million free, non-medical face masks from A&W, McDonald or Tim Hortons drive-thrus
June 8: GC announces new funding for Montreal's small business through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
June 9: GC launched a new web hub on buying and supplying PPE [Web hub]
June 9: GC announces the intention to provide up to $500,000 to support the safe reintegration of offenders
June 9: Ontario announces plans to reopen child care centres
June 10: GC announces financial support to the economy of Quebec's region [CED financial support for SADCs & CAEs]
June 11: FedDev Ontario and partners assist Ontario businesses in embracing online commerce [Digital Main St.]
June 11: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada highlights the Supplementary Estimate (A) support by the government
June 11: GC announces new funding of $133 million to support Indigenous business and Indigenous tourism industry
June 11: Ontario announces the resumption of visits to long-term care homes, retirement homes and other residential care settings
June 12: GC announces screening to be required for travellers at Canadian airports [Phased approach: Backgrounder]
June 13: WHO is following up with Chinese authorities about a new cluster of COVID-19 cases in Beijing, China
June 15: Ontario announces more regions move into Stage 2 on June 19, 2020 with the exception of Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex
June 15: City of Toronto releases a report on management of COVID-19 in its 10 long-term care homes [Full Report]
June 16: PM announces extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by eight weeks
June 16: Ontario extends emergency orders until June 30, 2020
June 17: GC and Ontario are investing up to $10 million in emergency assistance for beef and hog farmers
June 17: Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) will accept applications as of June 22, 2020 across the West [Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund]
June 17: Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund reopens for applications [Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund]
June 17: PM announces an economic and fiscal snapshot will be released on July 8
June 17: Ontario pauses Commercial Evictions [Bill 192, Protecting Small Business Act]
June 18: PM announces new mobile app to help notify Canadians of COVID-19 exposure [COVID Alert]
- [COVID-19 Exposure Notification App Advisory Council]
June 18: Ontario enhances COVID-19 case and contact management including the Exposure Notification App
June 19: Ontario releases School Safety Plan for the 2020-21 school year [Approach to reopening schools]
June 21: WHO reports 183,020 new cases in the last 24 hours, the largest single-day increase
June 22: Ontario announces moving Toronto and Peel region into Stage 2 on June 24, 2020
June 23: GC announces extension of lay-off periods [Backgrounder]
June 23: City of Toronto announces funds for community services for vulnerable populations
June 24: Ontario announces reopening in Windsor-Essex with the exceptions of Leamington and Kingsville on June 25, 2020
June 24: Ontario unveils three-point plan to reduce the risk of transmission on farm
June 25: Canadian Institute for Health Information releases report: Long-term care and COVID-19: international comparisons
June 30: Canada extends mandatory requirements under the Quarantine Act for anyone entering Canada
June 30: GC announces extension of the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) by one month for July
June 30: City of Toronto makes masks or face coverings mandatory in enclosed public spaces starting July 7 [By-law & Information]

July 2020

July 1: 10 million people were infected with COVID-19 and a half million lives lost worldwide [ WHO press conference]
July 2: Ontario provides $150 million to support municipalities and urban Indigenous communities
July 3: Ethics Commissioner launches an investigation over the government's decision to award the WE Charity [CSSG]
July 7: Service Canada begins the gradual and safe reopening of in-person locations across the country
July 7: Ontario introduces legislation to protect public health after the termination of the emergency declaration and orders
- Bill 195, Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020
July 8: Finance Minister presents an economic and fiscal snapshot [Economic and Fiscal Snapshot 2020]
July 8: Ontario partners with DriveCheck to make it easier for truck drivers to get tested
July 9: Ontario launches the $150-million Improving Connectivity for Ontario program to fund broadband and cellular infrastructure projects
- [Up to Speed: Ontario's Broadband and Cellular Action Plan]
July 9: WHO says airborne transmission "cannot be ruled out " in some indoor settings [Open letter by 239 scientists from 32 countries]
July 9: WHO announces Independent Panel to evaluate global COVID-19 response
July 9: GC invests $4.5 million to support Franco-Ontarian communities across southern Ontario
July 10: Ontario launches "Ontario Made" Program [Ontario Made website]
July 11: City of Toronto will launch a CaféTO to accelerate curb lane patio installations [CaféTO]
- [Zoning order allows expanded patio] [Map of CurbTO, ActiveTO & CaféTO Installations]
July 13: GC announces more than $16M in support for Quebec innovation
July 13: Ontario announces Stage 3 reopening for some regions on July 17, 2020 [Find out which stage your region is in]
- [A Framework for Reopening our Province: Stage 3]
July 14: GC announces measures to support international students [changes to facilitate online learning]
July 14: Ontario supports development of Made-in-Ontario N95 respirators
July 14: City of Toronto releases update on financial impacts of COVID-19
July 15: GC releases statement about transmission at parties, nightclubs, bars and among young Canadians
July 15: GC announces $8.3 million through RRRF to support the Women's Enterprise Initiatives organizations across western Canada
July 15: GC announces approximately $2 million in funding to provide other forms of treatment for opioid use disorder
July 16: PM's remarks on the Safe Restart Agreement, supported by over $19 billion in federal investments
- [Safe Restart Agreement]
  - [Joint statement by First Ministers ]
  - [Priorities to safely restart Canada's economy]
July 16: Finance Committee meets on government spending, WE Charity and the Canada Student Service Grant [CSSG] (meeting 41)
July 17: GC proposes changes to CEWS that will allow the extension of the CEWS until December 19, 2020 [Backgrounder]
July 17: GC announces a total of $2.1 million to support the relief and recovery of Francophone businesses across Western Canada.
July 17: Ontario appoints Humber River Hospital as interim manager at Villa Colombo in North York
July 20: Ontario announces to move more regions into Stage 3 on July 24, 2020
July 20: GC announces a new $3 million program to help agri-processors mitigate the spread of COVID-19
July 20: GC provides emergency COVID-19 funds to support women and children fleeing gender-based violence
July 21: GC announces $251,850 in funding to support urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations in Manitoba
- [Indigenous Community Support Fund]
July 21: GC announces creation of Essential Services Contingency Reserve (ESCR) through Safe Restart Agreement [ESCR]
July 21: Finance Committee meets on government spending, WE Charity and the Canada Student Service Grant (meeting 42)
July 21: Ontario announces the Accelerated Build Pilot Programs that will enable the construction of two long-term care homes
July 22: Ontario Legislature adjourns
July 22: Ontario announces legislative changes to protect tenants [Backgrounder]
July 22: City of Toronto announces changes to visitor guidelines at City of Toronto’s long-term care homes
July 22: City of Toronto joins RBC-led Canada United to support local businesses and accelerate small business recovery [GoCanadaUnited.ca]
July 22: Toronto Mayor recommend apartment buildings and condos adopt mask policy for common areas [Guidance]
July 23: Ontario announces five new Ontario Health Teams to support Ontario's COVID-19 response [Backgrounder]
July 23: Ontario provides $110,000 to support Indigenous business during COVID-19
July 24: Ministers responsible for immigration meet to jointly plan for the future of immigration in Canada amid COVID-19
July 24: GC announces $625 million to child care sector to support parents' return to work
July 24: GC announces over $22 million in regional development in Quebec [backgrounder]
July 24: City of Toronto to address financial impacts of COVID-19 [Update on the City's Response to COVID-19 and financial impacts]
July 27: CRA announces an extension to the payment deadline and offers interest relief on outstanding tax debts
July 28: GC announces over $95 million in relief and recovery funds flow to businesses in Western Canada [Backgrounder] [RRRF]
July 28: Ontario announces Ontario Health Team in eastern Ottawa
July 28: Ontario fast-tracks long-term care home for Ajax
July 29: Ontario moving Toronto and Peel Region into Stage 3 on July 31, 2020
July 29: Toronto City Council approves mandatory masks or face coverings in apartments and condominiums [Guidance documents]
July 30: Ontario releases two long-term care reports [Reporting Back on the Gillese Inquiry] [Long-Term Care Staffing Study Report]
July 30: Ontario releases plan for safe reopening of schools in September [Backgrounder]
- [COVID-19: reopening schools] [Guide to reopening Ontario's schools]
July 30: Toronto Public Health releases new socio-demographic COVID-19 data
July 31: GC announces $58.6 million to boost protections for temporary foreign workers and address outbreaks on farms [Backgrounder]
July 31: GC announces the new extension of the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent assistance (CECRA) by one month for August
July 31: PM announces a new national mobile app (COVID Alert) which helps notify users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19
July 31: Ontario implementing additional measures at bars and restaurants to help limit the spread of COVID-19
July 31: City of Toronto now in Stage 3 reopening
July 31: City of Toronto announces Family Well-Being Plan [toronto.ca/HereToHelpTO]

August 2020

August 3: WHO releases COVID-19 preparedness and response progress report: 1 February to 30 June 2020
August 5: GC announces major steps in treating and preventing COVID-19 through vaccines and therapies
- Unveils members of [COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force] [COVID-19 Therapeutics Task Force]
- Signs agreements with Pfizer and Moderna
August 5: GC announces over $3 billion COVID-19 Resilience funding to expands infrastructure program for communities [Backgrounder]
- [Investing in COVID-19 Community Resilience]
- [Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: COVID-19 Resilience stream]
August 6: GC announces new measures to support essential air access to remote communities
August 10: GC temporarily sets a minimum unemployment rate (13.1%) for the Employment Insurance program
August 11: GC launches updated Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator which will open for applications on Aug. 17, 2020
- [CEWS] [FAQ] [Statistics]
August 11: WHO announces that nearly 20 million cases of COVID-19 have been recorded [WHO Situation Report - 204]
August 12: Ontario releases 2020-21 First Quarter Finances, projecting a deficit of $38.5 billion [2020-21 First Quarter Finances]
August 12: Ontario provides municipalities with up to $1.6 billion in first round of emergency funding [Agreement]
August 13: GC announces a new Canada Healthy Communities Initiative [Canada Healthy Communities Initiative]
August 14: GC provides a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in the health-care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic
August 17: Finance Minister Bill Morneau resigned [Statement by the Prime Minister]
August 17: GC opens applications for enhanced Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy [CEWS calculator]
August 17: GC offers online courses on returning to work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic [e-Courses]
August 17: City of Toronto prepares for back to school, fall recreation programs and after-school care
August 18: Prime Minister announces that Chrystia Freeland becomes Minister of Finance and remains Deputy Prime Minister
August 18: PM prorogues Parliament until Sept. 23, 2020 [Prorogation]
[PM’s remarks on changes to the Ministry and an upcoming Speech from the Throne] [Speeches from the Throne]
August 20: GC announces plan to help support Canadians through the next phase of the recovery [Backgrounder]
- [CERB extended to 28 weeks]
- [Simplified EI program]
- Canada Recovery Benefit [CRB]
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit [CRSB]
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit [CRCB]
August 20: Ontario extends Orders under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020
August 21: GC extends Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support for furloughed employees for four weeks
August 21: Ontario expands indoor capacity, eases contact information requirement for bars and restaurants
August 21: British Columbia introduces new measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety
August 24: Ontario supports retooling of local brewery to produce hand sanitizer
August 26: PM announces up to $2 billion in support for a safe return to school [Speech]
August 26: Ontario releases COVID-19 Management Plan for schools [Operational Guidance] [Additional funds]
August 26: US authorizes first diagnostic test where results can be read directly from testing card
August 27: GC launches a consultation on repurposing the 3800MHz spectrum band to support 5G services [Consultation]
August 31: GC announces greater flexibility and extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to October 31, 2020 [CEBA]
August 31: PM announces agreements with Novavax and Johnson & Johnson to ensure the supply of future vaccines [Speech]
- [Novavax] [Johnson & Johnson]
August 31: City of Toronto presents COVID-19 Resurgence Plan

September 2020 (Wave two: September 2020 - Mid-February 2021)

September 3: Canada’s COVID-19 exposure notification app now available in Newfoundland and Labrador [COVID Alert]
September 3: Ontario extends support for employers and employees impacted by COVID-19
September 3: Ontario extends child care funding of nearly $147 million for 2020-21
September 4: GC announces up to $763.34 million in support for Ontario through the Safe Return to Class Fund
September 8: Ontario takes extraordinary steps to reopen schools safely [$1.3 billion investment to reopen schools safely]
September 8: City of Toronto update on COVID-19 enforcement
September 10: GC announces $11.5 million in mental health funding
September 11: GC and partners improve process to notify air travellers potentially exposed to COVID-19 on domestic flights
September 11: GC announces funding for new voluntary self-isolation centre in Toronto
September 11: GC announces that more than 180 businesses across Yukon have received over $7 million in support from the NBRF & RRRF
September 11: GC announces COVID-19 measures supporting young people this fall [COVID-19 measures for youth and students]
September 11: Ontario launches webpage to report COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres [Webpage]
September 14: Canada Employment Insurance Commission sets 2021 Employment Insurance Premium Rate and Maximum Insurable Earnings
September 14: GC announces policy statement on research security and COVID-19 [Safeguarding Your Research]
September 15: Ontario ramps up production of Ontario-made ventilators
September 16: PM announces next steps for Safe Restart Agreement
September 16: Ontario launches new COVID-19 screening tool to help protect students and staff [COVID-19 school screening]
September 17: Ontario lowers the social gathering limits to 10 people indoor and 25 people outdoor for Ottawa, Peel and Toronto [O. Reg. 364/20]
September 18: Canada-US extend temporary non-essential travel restriction until October 21, 2020
September 18: Canada’s COVID-19 exposure notification app now available in Saskatchewan
September 19: Ontario lowers the social gathering limits to 10 people indoor and 25 people outdoor across entire province [Backgrounder]
September 21: PM announces changes in the public services including the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada [Iain Stewart]
September 21: Ontario presses Ottawa to increase share of health funding
September 22: GC signs new agreements with Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to secure additional vaccine candidate and treatment
- [Sanofi] [GlaxoSmithKline]
September 22: Ontario announces flu immunization campaign as part of the province's plan to prepare for a second wave of COVID-19
September 23: PM makes address to the nation following Throne Speech which officially opens the 2nd session of the 43^rd Parliament
- [The Speech from the Throne: A stronger and more resilient Canada]
  - [Testing Assistance Response Team]
- [Prime Minister’s remarks addressing Canadians on the COVID-19 situation]
  - Canada has entered a second wave of pandemic
September 23: Ontario expands COVID-19 testing to pharmacies starting Friday
September 23: City of Toronto extends cancellation of outdoor major events and provides $565,000 to support cultural festivals impacted by COVID-19
September 24: GC introduces legislation to support Canadians through Recovery Benefits and extend access to funds for emergency measures
- [Bill C-2]
September 24: Ontario invests more than $1 billion to expand testing and contact tracing
September 25: GC provides update on support for furloughed employees under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
September 25: GC provides more details of the EI program as about 2.8 million Canadians will transition to EI benefits starting September 27
September 25: GC announces temporary measure to compensate film sets in the audiovisual industry [Support for culture, heritage and sport sectors]
September 25: PM announces new agreements to secure additional vaccine candidates [AstraZeneca] [COVAX]
September 25: Ontario announces new public health measures to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments
September 25: Ontario invests $741 million to reduce surgeries backlog and expand access to care
- [A Measured Approach to Planning for Surgeries and Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic]
September 28: Global death toll of COVID-19 is exceeding one million
September 28: Ontario launches recovery program for northern businesses impacted by COVID-19 [Stakeholder response]
- [Northern Ontario Recovery Program]
September 28: Ontario investing $52.5 million to recruit, retain and support more health care workers
September 29: GC signs agreement for COVID-19 rapid tests and analyzers [ID NOW tests]
September 29: PM announces an additional $400 million in international development funding this year to support the recovery of developing countries.
- [World leaders to focus on key actions to assist countries battered by the financial crisis caused by COVID-19]
September 29: Temperature screening for air travellers expanded to 11 additional Canadian airports
September 29: Ontario provides over half a billion to protect vulnerable senior against second wave of COVID-19
September 30: GC approved the ID NOW rapid testing device
September 30: GC provides over $63 million support for Atlantic Canadian business [Backgrounder] [RRRF]
September 30: Ontario releases updated COVID-19 modelling for second wave
September 30: Ontario delivers $2.8 billion COVID-19 Fall Preparedness Plan [Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Wave of COVID-19]
September 30: City of Toronto tightens rules on restaurants and bars
September 30: City of Toronto changes visitor policy at long-term care homes

October 2020

October 1: COVID Alert now available in Manitoba
October 1: Ontario provides $461 million to temporarily enhance wages for personal support workers
October 1: Ontario revises COVID-19 screening guidance for schools and child care
October 2: The COVID-19 Response Measures Act (Bill C-4) receives Royal Assent [Backgrounder]
October 2: GC expands Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide further support for businesses
October 2: GC introduces new border measures and provides update on travel restrictions
October 2: PM announces investments for the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund and for women's organizations
October 2: GC and Canada's video game industry team up to #CRUSHCOVID
October 2: Ontario implements additional public health and testing measures, transitioning to appointment-based testing beginning Oct. 6th
October 5: GC launches applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit [CRSB] [CRCB]
October 5: Applications for the Emergency On-Fram Support Fund are now being accepted [Backgrounder] [Emergency on-farm Support Fund]
October 5: COVID Alert now available in Quebec
October 5: Ontario adding visitor restrictions at long-term care homes for City of Ottawa, Region of Peel, and City of Toronto
October 5: Ontario supports training for personal support workers in Niagara
October 5: Ontario releases $35 million to hire more staff, improve remote learning in targeted communities [Backgrounder]
October 6: Throne speech survives confidence vote of 177-152 [Journals, October 6, 2020]
October 6: GC signs agreement for COVID-19 rapid tests [Panbio COVID-19 Antigen]
October 6: GC announces up to $50 million to support people experiencing gender-based violence
October 7: GC announces $175,000 to support Lévis entrepreneurs [Regional Relief and Recovery Fund]
October 8: Canada hit the highest daily recorded cases
October 8: GC announces $137 million in federal support for Quebec's child care sector
October 9: GC announces new support to help businesses
- [New and top-up Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)] [Extension and expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)]
October 9: GC announces supplemental top-up Safe Restart funding to [Nunavut] [Northwest Territories] [Yukon] [Backgrounder]
October 9: GC and provincial partners support research addressing mental health impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians [Backgrounder]
October 9: Ontario implementing additional public health measures in Ottawa, Peel and Toronto [Modified Stage 2 restrictions for the next 28 days]
October 12: "Never in the history of public health has herd immunity been used as a strategy for responding to an outbreak, let alone a pandemic." (WHO)
October 12: GC launches applications for the Canada Recovery Benefit [CRB]
October 13: GC investing $26.6 million to further protect Ontario Agri-Food workers [Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program]
October 13: Ontario announces $300 million to support restaurants and food services industry
October 13: Ontario invests over $1.4 million to expand production of COVID-19 testing supplies [Microbix]
October 13: Ontario issues a temporarily management order at Beeton long-term care home
October 14: GC confirmed its intention to extend the wage subsidy (CEWS) until June 2021 [Speech from the Throne]
October 14: GC announces that approximately $12 million to support SMEs in Newfoundland and Labrador
October 14: Ontario hiring up to 600 more contact tracers and case managers
October 15: GC announces $363,936 in support for child and youth victims of abuse and violence in response to the pandemic in Ontario
October 15: Québec International receives more than $800,000 from CED to support Capitale-Nationale businesses [RRRF]
October 15: GC invests more than $2.6 million to help Sault and Algoma businesses [Backgrounder]
October 15: GC announces up to $2.5 million support to Manitoba's cattle producers
- [2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program]
October 15: Ontario projects budget deficit of $37.2 billion in 2020-21
- [ Economic and Budget Outlook: an updated assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, FAO]
October 16: PM's remarks on the measures taken to support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic
October 16: GC concludes G7, G20, IMF, and World Bank meetings [IMF & WBG annual meetings]
October 16: York Region will join Ottawa, Peel and Toronto in a modified Stage 2 starting October 19, 2020
October 16: GC launches new COVID-19-related challenges to help reduce environmental impact of PPE in Canada
October 16: Organizations in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean receive funding to improve food security
- [AAFC Emergency Food Security Fund]
October 16: Ontario invests $2.5 million through the Ontario Together Fund in support of Greenfield Global's hand sanitizer business
October 17: Long-term care home visitor policy restrictions applied to York Region starting October 19, 2020
- [COVID-19: visiting long-term care homes]
October 19: Ontario released an action plan for government services [Ontario Onwards: action plan] [Digital Identity Project]
October 19: Ontario released guidelines for Halloween, traditional trick or treating is not recommended for Ottawa, Peel, Toronto and York Region
October 20: GC announces an investment of $12 million in the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund [CUSBRF]
October 20: Ontario extends COVID-19 orders until November 21, 2020, dance classes with conditions allowed in areas under modified Stage 2 regulations
October 20: City of Toronto announces approximately $1.9 million in additional funding to help vulnerable populations
October 21: Ontario invests $24.3 million to support mental health services for children and youth
October 22: The Coutts land border crossing and the Calgary International Airport in Alberta will receive a COVID-19 test upon entry to reduce the mandatory quarantine period beginning November 2, 2020 as a pilot project [International border pilot project]
October 23: PM Prime Minister announces funding to advance the development of Canadian COVID‑19 vaccine technologies [PM's remarks]
- [Medicago] [Precision NanoSystems Incorporated (PNI)]
October 23: GC extends deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit to December 31, 2020 [Disability Tax Credit]
October 23: GC and Nova Scotia launch $1M Program to protect farm workers
October 25: Ontario reports 1,042 new cases, the highest number of daily confirmed infections since the beginning of the pandemic
- [Ontario COVID-19 case data: Daily new cases]
October 26: A Niagara-region dog first in Canada to test positive for COVID-19
- "there is no evidence to suggest that companion animals/ pets such as dogs or cats can spread COVID-19” [WHO: Myth busters]
October 26: Ontario to release 2020 Provincial Budget on November 5
October 26: City of Toronto reports 374 confirmed cases, the highest single-day number since the beginning of the pandemic
October 26: City of Toronto partnership with Ritual and DoorDash to support local business with free delivery until November 8
October 27: PM announces $1 billion to create 3,000 new homes across the country [Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI)] [Speech]
October 27: Ontario provides $116.5 million to create 766 hospital beds [Previous investment in reducing surgical backlogs]
October 27: GC invests $4.9 million to protect British Columbia farm workers [Emergency On-Farm Support Fund]
October 27: City of Toronto approves extended winter patio program for curbside cafes and expanded private patios [COVID-19: CaféTO]
October 28: Canada's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 10,000
October 28: Chief Public Health Officer of Canada's annual report tabled in Parliament [Backgrounder]
- [From Risk to Resilience: an Equity Approach to COVID-19]
October 28: Ontario launching COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream
October 28: New management ordered at Niagara Falls, Ontario long-term care home
October 28: Toronto City Council unanimously approves motion to request the province to temporarily cap commissions for food service deliveries
October 29: GC invests $945,000 to further protect Prince Edward Island farm workers during COVID-19
October 30: PM announces new supports for Indigenous peoples and communities
- PM's remarks announcing new supports for Indigenous peoples and communities and new investments in COVID-19 research
October 30: GC extends international travel restrictions to November 30, 2020
October 30: GC announces plan to support economic recovery through immigration
October 30: Deputy PM and Minister of Finance's address to the Toronto Global Forum: Canada’s plan for a strong economic recovery from COVID-19
October 30: The Ottawa Hospital and Extendicare (Canada) Inc. enter into Management Agreement

November 2020

November 2: GC announces new mandatory requirements for travellers to Canada effective November 21, 2020.
- All travellers are required to provide specific information upon and after entry to Canada [Mandatory Isolation Order, PC 2020-0840]
November 2: GC introduces legislation for new, targeted support to help business through pandemic [Bill C-9]
November 2: GC extends the Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program (MISTFWP) until November 30, 2020 [MISTFWP]
November 2: GC announces support to essential air access to remote communities
- Agreement with Government of Nunavut
- Agreement with Government of Northwest Territories
November 2: Ontario increasing direct care for long-term care residents to four hours per day
November 3: GC releases Preliminary guidance on key populations for early COVID-19 vaccination
- Preliminary guidance on key populations for early COVID-19 immunization
November 3: Ontario will transition public health unit regions to the new colour-coded framework on November 7, 2020
- Toronto may be delayed entering Orange-Restrict level until November 14, 2020
- [Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework]
November 5: GC announces the results of combating unauthorized and counterfeit goods during the COVID-19 [Project Purify]
November 5: GC releases details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension [Backgrounder]
November 5: Ontario's 2020 Budget projects $187 billion in expenditure, including $30 billion in pandemic spending and $38.5 billion deficit forecast
- [Ontario's Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover]
November 6: GC joins Food Bank Canada in improving food security for rural and northern communities [Emergency Food Security Fund]
November 6: GC announces additional $155 million to extend the Innovation Assistance Program [NRC IRAP Innovation Assistance Program (IAP)]
November 6: First confirmed case in Nunavut
November 9: GC announces additional funding to help connect Canadians to high-speed Internet across the country [Universal Broadband Fund]
November 9: City of Toronto launches COVID-19 Immunization Task Force to prepare for arrival of COVID-19 vaccine
November 10: GC signs another agreement for COVID-19 antigen rapid tests
November 10: City of Toronto will be moved into the Red-controlled level of the Response Framework starting November 14, 2020 [Backgrounder]
November 12: "Invest in public health. Take a One Health Approach. And go beyond the health sector. These are the fundamental shifts I believe our world must make" (WHO)
November 12 &13: GC releases details of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Timmons-James Bay region
November 12: GC and Ontario invest in public transit infrastructure in Milton
November 13: PM's remarks on the COVID-19 situation (see also Second wave timeline)
- "This week, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan all set new records for COVID-19 hospitalizations.
- Yesterday, Ontario reported over 1,500 new cases – a record high for the third day in a row. New projections are suggesting that the province could be on track for up to 6,500 cases a day by mid-December.
- We also set a new daily national record yesterday with nearly 5,000 new cases in Canada, and 83 more Canadians lost to this virus."
November 13: Ontario updates the COVID-19 Response Framework by lowering the threshold for each of the five levels
November 13: Toronto's Medical Officer of Health issues Section 22 order to strengthen COVID-19 protections in Toronto
November 14: City of Toronto launches the "Practice Safe 6ix" campaigns targeting Torontonians between the ages of 18 and 40 [Backgrounder]
November 16: GC announces $14 million to support for New Brunswick's child care sector [Safe Restart Agreement]
November 17: Ontario provides over $37 million to expand mobile crisis team for mental health services [Ontario's Action Plan]
November 17: Ontario accepts applications for the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream for municipalities
November 18: GC announces the Independent panel to review Global Public Health Surveillance System (GPHIN), an early warning system for potential public health threats worldwide
November 19: GC opens applications for the COVID-19 resilience Infrastructure Stream for Municipalities in Ontario

November 20: Toronto and Peel placed under lockdown effective November 23, 2020 for at least 28 days
November 20: City of Toronto supports provincial lockdown measures
November 22: The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada shares ways to celebrate the Holiday Season safely
November 22: City of Toronto services modified to adhere to provincial lockdown measures
November 23: GC opens applications for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy [Backgrounder] [CERS]
November 23: Ontario appoints new Ministers' COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force
November 23: Ontario provides nearly $41 million to help 486 non-profit organizations to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
November 24: GC signs new agreement for a COVID-19 antibody therapy
November 24: Ontario deploys new rapid tests [ID NOW] [Panbio rapid antigen test]
November 24: PM blames lack of domestic production capacity for vaccine delay
November 25: Ontario provides preliminary guidance on how to celebrate the Holiday Season safely
November 25: "Ontario's COVID-19 response faced systemic issues and delays" (Auditor General Special Report) [Reflections]
- Special Report on Emergency Management in Ontario - Pandemic Response
- Special Report on Outbreak Planning and Decision-Making
- Special Report on Laboratory Testing, Case Management and Contact Tracing
November 25: City of Toronto launches Welcome T.O. Winter parks plan
November 26: GC announces funding for new COVID-19 safe voluntary isolation centre in Peel, Ontario
November 26: COVID Alert is available in the Northwest Territories
November 26: Ontario launches targeted voluntary testing of asymptomatic students and staff in regions of high number of active cases
- [voluntary test]
November 26: Ontario announces that effective November 23, 2020, all in-vehicle road tests in the City of Toronto and Peel Region will be cancelled
November 26: Ontario launches a new online application and streamlines process to apply for social assistance
November 27: The Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence are assisting the vaccine distribution planning
November 27: PM says that the majority of Canadians will be vaccinated by September 2021
November 27: Ontario moving five public health regions to new levels in COVID-19 Response Framework
November 27: Ontario calls on Ottawa to lay out its plan to allocate COVID-19 vaccines across the country
November 27: Ontario supports municipalities as they manage financial pressure from COVID-19
November 27: GC and the Government of Yukon invest $1 million in support of a Recovery Research Program
November 27: GC announces additional COVID-19 Emergency Funding to support the sport Community
November 27: City of Toronto updates on modified services to adhere to provincial lockdown measures
- [Lockdown guide for Toronto residents]
November 27: City of Toronto re-opens CurbTO registration for temporary pick-up zones
November 28: Ontario supports management agreements at two long-term care homes
November 29: GC announces extension of travel restrictions
November 29: Conservative Leader speaks on Fall economic statement, CanSino partnership, rapid test, and vaccine timeline
November 30: Ontario provides $380 million to support young learners [Support for Learners program]
November 30: GC releases Fall Economic Statement 2020 [Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19]

December 2020

December 1: PM's remarks on the COVID-19 situation and the Fall Economic Statement
December 2: Health Canada releases statement on UK’s authorization of its first COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech
December 2: Ontario invests more than $115 million to support patients with innovative home and community care services
December 4: Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19
- "An initial supply of vaccines is expected to become available in early 2021" [see also Vaccines]
- Latest guidance for the initial sequencing of key populations for early COVID-19 immunization
December 4: GC expands Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans
December 4: Ontario moving Middlesex-London, Thunder Bay and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Units to new levels in COVID-19 Response Framework
December 4: Toronto Public Health enhances school screening tool that if a students has even one COVID-19 symptom, they must stay home
December 7: GC announces that Canada will receive up to 249,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020, pending Health Canada approval [Prime Minister's remarks]
December 7: GC awards contract to FedEx Express Canada and Innomar Strategies Inc. to distribute COVID-19
December 7: Ontario identifies key groups for distribution of initial COVID-19 vaccines
December 9: Health Canada authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine in Canada. Pfizer is set to provide up to 249,000 doses during December [Statement]
December 10: GC announces pan-Canadian Vaccine Injury Support Program to ensure that Canadians have access to support when experiencing an adverse reaction to a vaccine
December 10: PM hosts First Ministers' meeting on fighting COVID-19
December 11: Ontario begins to vaccinate frontline health care workers on December 15, 2020 with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
December 11: Ontario moving seven public health regions to new levels of stronger public health measures including Windsor-Essex and York Region moving into Grey-Lockdown
December 13: PM announces that the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Canada [Details for Pfizer-BioNTech]
December 14: Ontario delivers first COVID-19 vaccine in the country
December 14: GC contributes of $230 million to procure COVID-19 treatments for developing countries [Backgrounder]
December 14: Ontario announces that effective December 11, 2020, individuals requesting a COVID-19 test for international travels are no longer publicly funded
December 14: Ontario orders temporary management at Etobicoke long-term care home
December 15: GC announces that Canada will be able to access 168,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020, pending on Health Canada's authorization of the vaccine
December 15: GC provides additional $50 million in relief to broadcasting sector
December 15: GC announces a contribution of up to $6.7 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to Arch Biopartners to build domestic capabilities to fight future pandemics
December 15: Ontario provides an additional $120 million to help municipalities and Indigenous communities to protect the vulnerable
December 16: Ontario provides an additional $695 million to provide financial relief for municipalities and help ensure they do not carry deficits into 2021
December 17: GC announces approval of first Universal Broadband Fund project
December 17: GC announces additional funding up to $50 million to over 1000 organizations serving women and children
December 17: GC announces Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF) recipients. [VOESF]
December 17: Correctional Service of Canada announces that effective December 16, 2020, in-person visit are suspended at all of its Ontario Institutions
December 17: Ontario extends regulatory changes under the Employment Standards Act to July 2, 2021 to put non-unionized employees on job-protected leave [Employment Standards Act]
December 17: Ontario provides $77 million to help people who were laid off due to the impact of COVID-19 find in-demand jobs [Second Career]
December 17: Ontario provides over $147 million to expand access to mental health and addiction services
December 18: GC announces wage subsidy rate increase to 75 per cent for the period of December 20, 2020 to March 14, 2021
December 18: GC rolling out $100M in added support to food security organizations during COVID-19 pandemic
December 18: National Research Council of Canada supports development of 4 COVID-19 therapeutic candidates
December 18: GC releases statement on the U.S. authorization of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
December 18: Ontario announces that Peel and Toronto will remain in the Grey-Lockdown to be re-assessed on January 4, 2021; five public health regions will be moved to levels with stronger public health measures including City of Hamilton to Grey-Lockdown
December 18: Ontario expands COVID-19 vaccine locations
December 18: A new Ontario law that caps food delivery fees to a limit of 15% on commission for restaurants effective December 19, 2020 [Supporting Local Restaurants Act, 2020]
December 18: Starting December 21, 2020, Ontario beef farmers can apply for funding to help cover costs due to COVID-19 delays [funding]
December 20: Canada suspends flights from the United Kingdom for 72 hours to monitor the genetic variant of the COVID-19
December 21: GC launches the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Registry
December 21: GC temporary adjusts the Automobile Standby Charge for the 2020 and 2021 taxation years due to COVID-19
December 21: GC develops a new regulation to address future large-scale flight cancellations
December 21: Ontario announces province-wide shutdown effective December 26, 2020 to Jan. 9 in northern Ontario and to Jan. 23 in southern Ontario [Summary information] [High Priority Communities Strategy]
December 21: Ontario announces new Ontario Small Business Support Grant up to $20,000
December 21: Ontario supports management agreement between Markham Stouffville Hospital and Faith Manor Nursing Home
December 22: Taxpayers' Ombudsperson releases statement regarding the service provided by the CRA on the emergency benefit programs
December 22: Ontario cancelling passenger road tests across Ontario
December 23: Health Canada authorizes Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
December 23: PM announces that we're on track to have at least 1.2 million doses from both Pfizer and Moderna delivered by January 31
December 23: GC provides $70 million in additional funding to the Red Cross for ongoing COVID-19 response
December 23: City of Toronto announces approximately $3.12 million to support 33 community-based agencies [Scheinberg Relief Fund]
December 24: Health Canada releases statement on the variants of COVID-19 virus found in the United Kingdom and South Africa
- [COVID-19 variants]
December 26: Ontario confirms first cases of COVID-19 UK variant in Ontario
December 27: Ontario provides update on Ontario cases of COVID-19 UK variant
December 29: Ontario supports management agreement between St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and Shalom Village Nursing Home
December 30: GC releases statement on the U.K. authorization of the AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine
December 30: Ontario releases ethical framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
December 30: The premier of Ontario comments on the Ontario finance minister's personal trip outside of Canada
December 31: GC announces pre-departure COVID-19 testing and negative results to be required for all air travellers coming to Canada [Backgrounder]
December 31: Ontario supports management agreement between Niagara Health System and Oakwood Park Lodge
December 31: City of Toronto approved 35 child care programs to provide emergency child care for essential workers
December 31: PM releases statement to wrap up the year and mark the New Year

January 2021

January 4: Ontario supports management agreement between University Health Network and St. George Care Community
January 4: City of Toronto releases new COVID-19 workplace outbreak data and announces new measures for COVID-19 related workplace safety
January 4: City of Toronto provides update on COVID-19 and vaccination rollout
January 5: PM announces that returning traveller for non essential purposes no longer eligible for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
January 5: PM comments on the slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout
January 5: PM answers questions regarding two Liberal MPs who travelled abroad during the holidays
January 5: Ontario accelerates COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care homes in priority regions
January 6: New pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements come into effect for all air travellers flying into Canada
January 6: Ontario launches testing program at Pearson airport for international travellers returning to Ontario [COVID-19 testing at Toronto Pearson]
January 6: Quebec announces additional public health measures which include a curfew between 8pm to 5am for the period from January 9, 2021 to February 8, 2021 [Confinement in Quebec] [Update on provincial curfew, January 7, 2021]
January 7: PM speaks with premiers on continued efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19
January 7: Ontario extends online learning until January 25, 2021 for elementary school students in the southern Ontario and extends the shutdown in northern Ontario for another 14 days
January 8: PM's provides update on the vaccination situation
January 11: GC to ensure that international travellers do not qualify for CRB, CRCB and CRSB
January 11: GC announces funding of $4.1 million for new COVID-19 Safe Voluntary Isolation Centre in Waterloo, Ontario
January 11: City of Toronto launching first COVID-19 immunization clinic at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
January 12: PM announces that an agreement to buy an additional 20 million doses of Pfizer vaccinate was reached, we're on track to have every Canadian who wants a vaccine receive one by September
January 12: GC and Prince Edward Island announce investment in COVID-19 resilience upgrade at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
January 12: Ontario declares a second provincial emergency, effective January 14, 2021, new enforcement measures includes ticketing to individuals who do not comply with the stay-at-home order [ Details ]
January 13: 22 cases of B.1.1.17 (United Kingdom) virus variant and one case of the 501Y.V2 (South Africa) virus variant have been reported in Canada
January 13: Ontario expands COVID-19 Immunization Program to seniors, frontline essential workers in phase two
January 13: Ontario supports management agreement between Unity Health Toronto and Copernicus Lodge
January 13: Ontario supports management agreement between North Wellington Health Care Corporation and Caressant Care Arthur Nursing Home
January 14: Ontario increasingly workplace inspections during COVID-19
January 15: COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel released their first report [Backgrounder]
- [Priority Strategies to Optimize Testing and Screening for COVID-19 in Canada]
January 15: Ontario's Small Business Support Grant opens for applications
January 15: PM's remarks updating Canadian on COVID-19, Pfizer's reduced vaccine production and it's impact on Canada
January 15: City of Toronto has completed the first round of vaccinations in all 87 long-term care homes
January 15: Toronto Public Health expands case and contact management work by adding more contact callers and case managers
January 16: 23 cases of the B.1.1.17 (United Kingdom) virus variant and 2 cases of the 501Y.V2 (South Africa) virus variant have been reported in Canada
January 16: Ontario extends Reopening Ontario Act Orders for another 30 days
January 17: City of Toronto announces that COVID-19 immunization clinic proof-of-concept site ready to open on Monday [Backgrounder]
January 18: Ontario temporarily transition Mackenzie Health's Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital into a COVID-19 hospital and adding over 500 critical care beds
January 18: Ontario announces that Francophone non-profit organizations can begin applying for the COVID-19 Relief Fund on January 25, 2021
January 18: Ontario supports management agreement between Mackenzie Health and Villa Leonardo Gambin
January 18: City of Toronto starts COVID-19 vaccination pilots for people experiencing homelessness and frontline workers in select shelters
January 19: PM's remark updating Canadians on the COVID-19 situation and vaccination efforts
January 19: City of Toronto’s proof-of-concept Immunization Clinic ordered to pause immediately due to vaccine shortage
January 20: GC announces to invests $6 million in national clinical trials network [Canadian Network of COVID-19 Clinical Trials Networks]
January 20: GC publishes draft legislative proposals to adjust certain deductions for employment insurance and COVID-19 benefits
January 20: The Chief Public Health Officer concerns that community transmission with the virus variant may already be occurring in Canada
January 20: Ontario announces additional measures to keep school safe as over 100,000 students return to class beginning next week
- [COVID-19: Guidance for School Operation during the Pandemic by SickKids]
January 20: City of Toronto outlines plan for CaféTO program in 2021 to help local restaurants
- [CaféTO and CurbTO - Pandemic Response Programs]
January 21: PM holds 25th call with premiers on COVID-19 response
January 21: Ontario opens COVID-19 Isolation Centres in hardest hit communities [High Priority Communities Strategy]
January 21: Toronto's Medical Officer of Health reported that for the first time in months, the effective COVID-19 reproductive number is below one - at 0.86
January 22: PM spoke with the CEO of Pfizer to assure that hundreds of thousands of Pfizer doses will be delivered the week of February 15th and in the weeks to follow
January 22: "The National Microbiology Laboratory reports 31 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom, and 3 cases of the B.1.351 variant that first identified in South Africa." [Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19]
January 22: GC invests $162.6 million to strength Canadian Food Inspection Agency [Backgrounder]
January 22: GC provides two Mobile Health Units to assist Ontario with COVID-19 response
January 22: City of Toronto traffic data shows more people staying home to fight COVID-19
January 23: "The latest national-level data indicate a recent downward trend in daily case counts (past 10 days), with a 7-day average of 6,079 new cases daily (Jan 15-21)" (Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on January 23, 2021)
January 24: Researchers are continuing to study whether or not COVID-19 vaccines prevent people from spreading the virus to others
January 25: Today marks the one year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in Canada [First presumptive confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Canada, January 25, 2020]
January 25: Ontario expanding eligibility for emergency child care during extended remote learning period, take effect on January 27, 2021
January 25: GC announces the launch of the pre-budget consultations for Budget 2021 [Pre-Budget consultations 2021]
January 26: Ontario is calling on the federal government to take further action to protect the border
January 27: Ontario extends electricity relief until February 9, 2021
January 29: GC introduces further restrictions on international travel which include a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival and staying in a GC-approved hotel for three nights all at their own cost [Backgrounder] [PM's remarks]
January 29: PM announces the second instalment of up to $ 1 billion to the Safe Return to Class Fund. [Safe Return to Class Fund]
January 29: Ontario provides details of the six-point plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 variants

February 2021 (Wave three: Mid-February 2021 - June 2021)

February 1: Canada's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 20,000
February 1: Ontario expands testing and announces additional $281 million to keep school safe [Backgrounder]
February 2: PM announces investment to support vaccine, therapeutic, and Biomanufacturing projects in Canada [Backgrounder]
February 4: The latest seroprevalence estimates indicate that 1.5% of healthy donors showed evidence of prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19 Seroprevalence Report]
February 4: GC announces ban for pleasure craft in Canadian Arctic waters and cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until February 28, 2022
February 5: PM provides update on vaccine rollout including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Novavax, and COVAX
February 5: GC announces an expansion of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) by $500 million nationally, including over $250 million for Western Canada
February 5: GC invests $18 million to virtual health care services in British Columbia
February 6: The latest seroprevalence report indicates that the vast majority of Canadian remain susceptible to COVID-19
February 8: GC invests close to $3.5 million to virtual health care services in Prince Edward Island [Agreement]
February 8: Ontario extending Stay-at-Home Order to 28 public health regions until February 16, 2021. For Toronto, Peel and York regions until February 22, 2021 [Backgrounder on In-person shopping at retail stores]
February 9: Health Canada issues label change authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to six doses per vial
February 12: GC invests $53 million to address COVID-19 virus variants of concern
February 12: GC expands restrictions to international travel by land and by air [Backgrounder]
February 12: PM provides an update on vaccines
February 12: Most Ontario regions are moving out of the shutdown as of February 16, 2021. Toronto, Peel, York and North Bay Parry Sound will remain in the shutdown
February 16: GC is seeking Parliament's approval to spend roughly $9.9 billion (74% in voted expenditures) to support Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic [Supplementary Estimates 2020-21]
February 16: PM provides an update on vaccines
February 17: City of Toronto requests extension of Shutdown Zone and Stay-at-Home Order [Medical Officer of Health letter]
February 19: PM provides an update on vaccines:
- This Wednesday: 400,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine received
- Next week: expect to receive nearly half a million
- End of March: expect to receive 6 million doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in total
- September: expect to receive at least 84 million doses in total

February 19: GC proposes increase to number of weeks for recovery benefits (CRB, CRSB, CRCB) and EI regular benefits
February 19: IMF forecasts that Canadian economy will grow by 4.4% this year [IMF Mission Concluding Statement]
February 19: Stay-at-home Order extended in Toronto and Peel Public Health Region along with North Bay-Parry Sound
February 19: Ontario launches education campaign to help workplaces reopen safely
February 20: GC begins COVID-19 testing at land borders on February 22, 2021
February 20: City of Toronto providing financial relief for taxicab industry
February 22: GC and PEI announce funding for a permanent provincial pandemic - response warehouse and the storage of National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS)
February 22: "Public Health Scotland has issued a study showing that, by the fourth week after receiving an initial dose, the Pfizer vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 by up to 85 per cent, with protection for those age 80 and over at 80 per cent. The study also found the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by up to 94 per cent." [City of Toronto update on COVID-19]
February 24: City of Toronto extends cancellation of in-person major events to July 1
February 25: GC introduces legislation to increase number of weeks for EI regular benefits and to prevent international travellers from qualifying for recovery benefits during mandatory quarantine [Bill C-24]
February 26: Health Canada authorizes AstraZeneca and Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc./Serum Institute of India COVID-19 vaccines
February 26: Canada to receive 2 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India
February 26: Nine Ontario Public Health Regions will be moving to new levels in the COVID-19 Response Framework on March 1, 2021
February 28: City of Toronto will begin vaccinating people experiencing homelessness in Toronto's shelter system starting this week