Update from the Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte

I hope you had an opportunity to recharge over the holidays.

We are reaching dangerous COVID-19 case numbers in areas across the country. Many provinces and territories have made tough decisions and will have to continue doing so. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.

The federal government will always be there as a partner as provinces and territories make the right choices to keep people safe. Working together is what will get us through this crisis.

Your choices matter. By wearing a mask, keeping your distance, and avoiding gatherings and non-essential outings, you are keeping yourself and others safe. And, by using the COVID Alert app, you can help stop the virus from spreading.

Stay home if you (or a member of your immediate household):

• have been in close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID‑19;
• are in quarantine (self-isolation) or isolation;
• feel sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild;
• have returned from travel outside Canada within the past 14 days; or
• have returned from travel inside Canada to a province or territory that has quarantine requirements.

Canada is on track to receive over a million COVID-19 vaccine doses from Pfizer and Moderna by the end of January. We anticipate that by September, we’ll have enough doses to vaccinate everyone who is approved to receive the vaccine or for whom the vaccine is recommended.

Stay in Canada and stay safe

The Government of Canada recommends against any non-essential travel. It is safer for people to stay at home in Canada and receive the vaccine here. We are delivering vaccines to the most vulnerable and we have access to a wider range of potential vaccines and more vaccines per capita than any other country.

All air passengers are now required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours (96 hours for select destinations) prior to boarding their flight to Canada, unless they are under 5 years old or are travelling from a destination temporarily exempted.

New recommendation on masks

To improve the level of protection of non-medical masks, the Public Health Agency of Canada is now recommending that you consider using a 3-layer non-medical mask. These masks have a middle filter layer that helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of transmission within our communities. The Public Health Agency of Canada is not advising people to throw away 2-layer non-medical masks. Rather, if you are making or buying more masks, you should consider 3-layer non-medical masks to better protect yourself and your loved ones against the spread of COVID-19. For details, see Non-medical masks and face coverings.

Reminder: It’s not too late to get your flu shot!

If you have not done so already, make sure to get your flu shot! Getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu and reduce the severity of flu-related complications.

Sincerely,

Minister Deb Schulte