– By Vinayak Barot
New Delhi, Sep 24: Canada is in the midst of second wave of Corona infection. The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has asked his countrymen to remain prepared to face the second wave of coronavirus in the nation.
The public health authorities had earlier cautioned the people about the resurgence of the infection. Trudeau told the people, “In Canada’s four biggest provinces, the second wave isn’t just starting, it’s already underway,”
“I want to speak directly to you today because Canada is at a crossroads,” Trudeau said. He gave his speech in English and French languages and painted a stark picture for Canada.
Trudeau pointed out that there were only 47 coronavirus confirmed cases when Canada announced lockdown on March 13. “We are on the brink of a fall that could be much worse than the spring,”
“While Canadians can’t change the numbers being reported currently, they could change where the country is in October and into the winter. It’s all too likely we won’t be gathering for Thanksgiving, but we still have a shot at Christmas” Trudeau hoped.
According to the Canadian government figures, Canada recorded 147,612 cases by Wednesday evening, including 1,085 for the day, an 80% rise over the past fortnight. It also tallied 10 fatalities to take the total death toll to 9,244, going into double digits after weeks.
“Canada has far more tools in its toolbox,” the PM noted, and sought cooperation in wearing masks, taking precautions and using a tracking app released by the government.
In his throne speech, Trudeau showed his concern over the coronavirus and said, “The economic impact of Covid-19 on Canadians has already been worse than the 2008 financial crisis. These consequences will not be short-lived.”