Your guide to COVID-19 and its impact on life in Canada

Travel restrictions, school closures and event cancellations are the new normal in Canada, and phrases like "self-isolation" and "physical distancing" are nowpart of the collective lexicon.

Developments in the global COVID-19 pandemic are nearly constantand it's certainly difficult to keep track of everything that's happening.

CBC News hascompiled a roundup of stories, explainers and videos on a wide range of topics to keep you up to date on the latest informationabout the coronavirus.

Latest guidance for Canadians on travel andreturning home

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned Canadians of a long road ahead. Travel restrictions, physicaldistancing protocols and business closures could all continue longer than you might expect.

Border restrictions are in place, preventing "non-essential" travel between Canada and the United States the global epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the two countries are enforcing those restrictions in very different ways, with the United States only banning non-essential travel across the border at land crossings and by ferry. Canada has banned all non-essential travel, regardless of the mode of transportation. Read more about the Canada-U.S. border restrictions.

All international travel from Canada has been limited as well. Air Canada and WestJet have cancelled most of their international flights, Canada has barred all travellers who are not citizens or permanent residents, andHealth Minister Patty Hajdu said returning Canadian travellers must enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolationunder the Quarantine Act.

She said she would consider criminal penalties for thosetravellers who don't self-isolate at home for at least 14 days to reduce community spread.

And of those travellers still stuck abroad, 525 so far have been given loans by the Canadian governmentto pay for hotels and book flights. The federal government has given a total of$1.8 million so far, and afurther 800 applications for the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad are still being processed. Some of those travellers say they're struggling to make ends meet in the meantime.

• COVID-19 glossary: What the terms mean and some subtle differences
• INTERACTIVE |Tracking the number of coronavirus cases in Canada

Meanwhile, some provinces are asking Canadians to self-isolate even after travelling within Canada, and the Northwest Territories has opted to fully bantravel into the territory for non-residents, with limited exceptions.Read about two friends mapping travel restrictions in First Nation communities across the country.

Transport Canada says anyone with symptoms of the illness will be denied boarding on all domestic flights and inter-city passenger trains.

WATCH|More aggressive measures needed to stop spread of COVID-19, says Toronto critical-care doctor:

More aggressive measures needed to stop spread of COVID-19, says Toronto critical-care doctor

4 years ago

Duration 7:12

'Let's overreact,' says Dr. Michael Warner so Canada doesn't experience a health-care crisis like the one gripping Italy.

What kind of financial supportwill Canadians receive?

The federal government announced on March 18 an $82-billion later increased to $107-billion support package for businesses and citizens. On March 23, Trudeau further announced a $5-billion credit program to support farmers directly, and on March 30 detailed who exactly is eligible. Read more about the government's aid package.

Many Canadians are being laid off because of the pandemic, as businesses scale back or shut down. More than 1.6 millionpeople have applied for employment insurance since it was announced. Read more about how the government plans to process so many EI claims.

On Monday, April 6, the federal government launched its application portal for those facing unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis but who aren't eligible for EI. Canadians can go to the federal government's websitefor information about the Canada emergency response benefit (CERB).By midnight on thefirst day, 788,510 applications were processed, the Canada Revenue Agency said. The agency said it has been processing almost 1,000 applications per minute, on average, since the portal opened.

Service Canada and Canada Revenue Agency are jointly administering CERB. Applicants who set up direct deposit are expected to receive a first payment within three to five days. Those who use mail should receive a first payment within 10 days. Payment is $2,000 a month for up to four months. Read more about CERB here.

WATCH|Businesses, non-profits and charities eligible for COVID-19 wage subsidies:

Businesses, nonprofits and charities eligible for COVID-19 wage subsidies

4 years ago

Duration 2:00

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that all businesses and nonprofits seeing at least a 30 percent drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for a 75% wage subsidy but warns that companies that abuse the system will face serious consequences.

Applicants for EI usually need a medical certificate, along with records of employment, though the new rules allow quarantined workersto apply without the certificate. If you can't apply because you are quarantined, you can also file for EI sickness benefits later and have the claim backdated. Read more about the EI claims processhere.

Businesses, charities and non-profit organizations who have lost at least 30 per cent of their revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a 75 per cent wage subsidy program. That covers the salary of workers on the first $58,700, which could mean payments up to $847 a week, and they can be made retroactive to March 15. The subsidies are open to businesses of all sizes, though Trudeau warned that companies who abuse the system would face "serious consequences." Read more about how to apply here.

• Flurry of daily pandemic data can be overwhelming. Here's how to make sense of it

Some banks are also offering mortgage deferrals, although there are worries theprogram could lead to lowered credit scores and jumps in mortgage payments. Read more about the mortgage deferrals.

Meanwhile, several grocery chains have announced they are increasing wages or hiring temporary workers to keep their shelves stocked during the pandemic. Read more about the grocery chains' plans here.

What's happening in the job market?

Professional recruitment firms are seeing openings dry up for all types of employment in just about every sector of the economy.

"In terms of the labour market in Canada, it's been an incredible collapse that I've certainly never seen in my decades in the business," said Jeff Aplin, CEO of the David Aplin Group.

The travel, tourism, retail, restaurant and convention industries are just some of the hardest hit, he said, and likely face the biggest challenge recovering after the virus risk abates.

• ANALYSIS:How bad will Canada's COVID-19 recession be?

However, there is job growth in some limited sectors right now.For instance, there has been a huge uptick in IT jobs as more people work from home, and positions in accounting, operations and management are all in higher demand. In addition, the health-care, delivery and grocery sectors are seeing growth indemand for their services. Read more about job-huntinghere.

Trudeau announced on March 27 more help for small and medium-sized businesses to keep employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 crisis, including a 75 per cent wage subsidy and guaranteed interest-free loans.

Do I have COVID-19, the flu or a cold?

Depending on the severity of the illness, COVID-19 can present with a variety of different symptoms or no symptoms at all. Some mimic the flu or common cold, while the World Health Organization saidthey have begun to investigate whether a loss of smell and taste could be a telltale marker of the disease. With all of these different possibilities, if you feel sick, when should you get tested?

Some basic facts about the virus, its symptoms, preventionand what to do if you believe you are infectedcan be foundhere.There are also ongoing studies into whether a loss of smell and taste could be a symptom of COVID-19, which you can read about here.

For pregnant women, there could be additional concerns and uncertainty over the potential impact of the coronavirus for them and their babies. Read our breakdown of what pregnant women need to know about COVID-19 here.

WATCH | Coronavirus What are the symptoms?

Coronavirus: What are the symptoms?

4 years ago

Duration 0:27

It starts out looking like a regular flu. But when the virus attacks lung cells, shortness of breath ensues, says family physician Dr. Peter Lin.

How deadly is COVID-19?

COVID-19's fatality rate is one of the biggest unanswered questions around the disease. Between different countries, drastically different ratios have been reported from 0.5 to 10 per cent of those infected dying in some regions. Some experts see Germany's low death rate, for one, as a temporary run of good luck, while Italy's relatively high elderly population could be contributing to their numbers. Read more about why fatality rates are different in every country.

Meanwhile, doctors are warning young people that they are not immune to the disease. Things like vaping or smoking cigarettes or cannabis put young people at increased risk, andpeople under 40 make up one in four of Canada's total cases and 12 per cent of hospitalizations. Read more about how COVID-19 is affecting young people.

What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, the first stepis to contact your health-care provider or local public health agency by email or telephone.They'll be able to tell you if you're eligiblefor testing in your area. Some communities have even launched drive-thru testing sites.

Mostprovinces and territoriesare limiting testing so that there will be enough for the highest priority patients, including health-care workers.

Do not show up unannounced at a clinic or hospital. However, if you have a sharp turn in your condition, including shortness of breath, call 911 or your local emergency number.Read our guide to what to do in each province and territory.

The importance of staying home

As coronavirus cases continue to rise, Canadians are explicitly being told to stayhome to protect their healthand the health of everyone in their communities. Ontario is prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.

Reinforcing the government's message of physical distancing, Gov. Gen. Julie Payette issued a statement March 25, reminding Canadians to "resist the temptation to visit friends and neighbours."

Such measures are taking on increasing importance. On March 20, police in Quebec City arrested a woman who tested positive for COVID-19while she was out for a walk. Police in Quebec also issued $1,200 in fines to a man that hosted a gathering in an apartment in Gatineau.

WATCH |What to do if you're self-isolating at home for COVID-19:

What to do if you're self-isolating at home for COVID-19

4 years ago

Duration 1:50

You might choose to self-isolate at home if youve been exposed, or think youve been exposed, to COVID-19. Ellen Mauro explains what to do.

Meanwhile, neighbours are banding together online to stay connected and are offering to deliver essential supplies to people who can't make the trip. Some small gyms are also offering online classes.Read more about how Canadians are helping each other here.

What's the difference between physicaldistancing and self isolation?

There are a lot of different terms floating around out there for ways to keep yourself healthy. Canadians should take different precautions based on their level of risk, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

WATCH | How to create physical distance in the grocery store:

How to social distance in the grocery store

4 years ago

Duration 2:07

As Canadians avoid gatherings and crowds amid the COVID-19 outbreak, grocery stores present a challenge as people stock up and pick shelves bare.

People are understandably confused about what activities are safe and which ones aren't anymore. CBC's health unit has published a helpful guide to physical distancing. Read more about social distancing here.

My neighbours aren't following the rules. What should I do?

Police are receiving hundreds of calls about people flouting physical distancing rules. They ask that you do not call 911, but if you feel help is needed, reach out to your local police station. One law professor suggests giving it a great deal of thought before you pick up the phone. "Bottom line: probably a good idea to 'snitch' only in clear, unambiguous cases,"Daniel Weinstock said.Read more here.

Is it safe to order takeout?

With virtually everyone at home, the lure of ordering takeout is strong. The chances of transmission from a food courier or takeout packaging are low, but experts say a few precautionary steps can help put your mind at ease.

Diners should maintain a safe distance from delivery drivers. You can also ask them toleave the food at the door. Read more here.

What products are actually helpful?

Products are flying off the shelves everything from disinfectant to toilet paper. Public officials are urging people not to stockpile, assuring Canadians there is enough of everything to go around.

But what should you actually spend your money on?

WATCH | Should I change my clothes when I get home from work?

COVID-19: Should I change my clothes when I get home from work?

4 years ago

Duration 5:05

Doctors answer your questions about the coronavirus in Canada, including whether its necessary to change clothes after work.

If you're buying hand sanitizer, make sure it's at least 60 per cent alcohol. The old-fashioned habit of washing withsoap and waterworks, too even better than wearing surgical gloves.

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WHO's website has a set of instructions for making hand sanitizer, and it recommends an evenhigherconcentration of isopropyl alcohol.

Health Canada has provided a list of hard-surface disinfectant products that meet its requirements for use against the coronavirus.

Masks are already in such short supply, even for health care workers, that it has prompted global competition between countries to secure their own stocks

What you need to know about masks

Despite older statements advising those without symptoms to refrain from wearing masks, Canada's top doctor now says even non-medical masks can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam made the announcement on Monday, afterthe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) had a similar about-face over the weekend. Both still stress that masks should be used in tandem with physical distancing measures, and do not replace the need to stay at least two arms' lengths away from others as much as possible.

• Canada's top doctor says non-medical masks can help stop the spread of COVID-19

I can't find hand sanitizer. What does effective handwashing look like?

The National's Andrew Chang explored what proper handwashing looks like with the help of a black light and some helpful children. The results might surprise you.

WATCH | How to wash your hands usingWHO's recommended method:

Handwashing put to the test

4 years ago

Duration 7:03

Using glo germ, a product that shows up under black light, Andrew Chang takes a first-hand look at how germs are transmitted, and how to wash them off our hands effectively.

I don't actually feel sick. Could I still have coronavirus?

Probably not, but there is some evidence that people can get infected with this virus and not show any symptoms.

As well, there is mounting evidence that those who are asymptomatic coronaviruscarriers are playing a key part in spreading the virus around the globe. Both Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam have downplayed the idea that so called "silent spreaders" are a common way people are infected.

But a growing body of research indicates they may be wrong and people don't have to appear ill at all to infect others.

Jeffrey Shaman, a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University in New York, says he is frustrated when people deny that asymptomatic spread can happen.

"We have so much evidence that that is going on," he said. "It's ridiculous."Read more about "silent spreaders" here.

What happens if there is an outbreak in a nursing home?

Nursing homes across the world have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, and Canada is no different. At the Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, Ont., 20 residents had died as of April 3 from the disease. In other parts of the country, families are being advised against hospitalizing their elderly relatives who contract the disease. One nursing home sent out a letter to the familyof a long-term care facility resident, saying that the home had no plans to transport residents who became ill with COVID-19 to the hospital.

"Doctors have learned there is no benefit for seniors with COVID-19 to go to the hospital, and they would not survive intensive care," the letter read.

At the same time,caregivers have been risking their lives to look after the elderly at Pinecrest, a spouse of someone who volunteered at the centre died, and 24 staff members were infected. Marissa Lennox, chief policy officer at the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, said that in some cases families may want to consider bringing an elderly relative into their own home for the duration of the pandemic. Read more about what's happening in long-term care homes.

WATCH |'We can just make them comfortable':

'We can just make them comfortable'

4 years ago

Duration 9:27

'It's a home we're not set up as a hospital,' says Pinecrest Nursing Home doctor Stephen Oldridge about why COVID-19 has hit so hard and killed so many residents at the seniors facility in southeastern Ontario.

How shouldI explain what's happening to my kids?

Explaining the coronavirus to children without upsetting them is a dilemma. Youth psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Mitchell, with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, said it's important to validate fears held by children, to listen to them and to be sure to speak to them at the age-appropriate level. If they have asked questions, answer them honestly, and don't share any more information beyond what they asked. Read more advice here.

CBC Kids has published an informative video about physical distancing just for them. Find it here.

WATCH | CoronavirusHow can you avoid catching it?

Coronavirus: How can you avoid catching it?

4 years ago

Duration 1:02

By now, you likely know not to touch your face. But if you do suspect you've already caught it, reach out by phone for assistance, says family physician Dr. Peter Lin.

What does all of this mean for pets?

A 17-year-old dog in Hong Kong originally tested positive for the coronavirus, but was later cleared.

On March 18, it was announced that the dog, which belonged to a patient with COVID-19, had died. Vets in Hong Kong say the stress and anxiety of being in quarantine while under examination may have been a contributing factor.

Some have expressed fear over whether the virus can survive on fur. Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist in Edmonton, says it's possible, but only if there's a substantial amount of the virus on the hands of the pet owner.

"We wouldn't expect that much virus to transfer from fur, so beyond usual precautions I wouldn't worry about it," she says.

WHO has said there is no evidence that pets can be infected with the coronavirus.

WATCH | How Canadian cities are enforcing physicaldistancing:

How Canadian cities and towns are enforcing physical distancing rules

4 years ago

Duration 1:52

As more jurisdictions in the country adopt new rules against gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Canadian law enforcement is tasked with enforcing them.

What does a state of emergency mean?

Every province and territory in Canada has now declared either astateof emergency or public health emergency related to the coronavirus outbreak. These announcements give provincial and territorial governments extra powers that can, essentially, suspend people's rights during a crisis, such as controlling their movement or forcing evacuations.Read more aboutemergency declarations here.

Will warmer weather stopthe virus?

While the public and experts alike had hoped that the spread of COVID-19 would slow when warmersummer months arrived in Europe and North America, as happened in the 2002-03 SARSepidemic, that no longer seemslikely.Though Southeast Asiahas close travel, business and investment ties with China, there were few reported casesuntil recently. Health experts say that wasn't due to its hot climate, but was instead caused bylimited testing and under-detection.

• Subscribe to our daily newsletter on the coronavirus outbreak here.

"People in Europe hope warm weather will kill the virus," said Tikki Pangestu, a professor at Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy."I doubt this will be the reality."Read more about how temperature could affect COVID-19here.

The European Centre for Disease Control has released a report, citing research that suggests summerheat is unlikely to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The ECDC report cited preliminary analysesfrom the outbreak in China, which found the virus was able to maintain high levels of reproduction in tropical places with high humidity, such as Guangxi and Singapore.

WATCH:'Massive scale-up' of public health capacities one of key ways to move forward, WHO says

'Massive scale-up' of public health capacities one of key ways to move forward, WHO says

4 years ago

Duration 2:55

Governments will need to go on the offence against the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization, and that means ramping up efforts.

I've been getting strange emails related to the virus. Should Ibe concerned?

Fraudstershave been targeting Canadians with a variety of coronavirus-related scams, according to police.

These include: text messages offering free face masks in orderto obtain your personal information, phishing emails designed to look like they come from WHO or Public Health Agency of Canada, or fake phone calls claiming you have tested positive for the virus and asking for your credit card details.

Police are urging Canadians to be aware of these scams andto check with friends, family or official government websites before giving away any information. Read more about what scams to look out forhere.

There is, however, one important exception to the rule. The federal government has asked some telecommunications companies to send text messages to Canadians who are still outside of Canada to help get in touch with them.