Coronavirus Update: Prime Minister Trudeau says it would be a ‘mistake’ for Trump to block trade of essential goods

Good evening – here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.

Top headlines

1. Prime Minister Trudeau warns Trump administration that blocking trade of essential goods could backfire.
2. Modelling data shows up to 15,000 could die in Ontario from COVID-19.
3. More doctors have died of COVID-19 in Italy than any other country.

Coronavirus explainers: Updates and essential resources • Coronavirus in maps and charts • The rules in each province

Today’s photo

Coronavirus in Canada

12,375 cases have been reported, more than double the number from 6 days ago. There have also been 2,255 recoveries and 178 deaths. Health officials have administered 301,715 tests.

• In Ontario, new data shows the province could see upwards of 15,000 deaths over the next two years from COVID-19 if the province maintains its public health measures. “Where we end up depends on all of us,” said a senior health-care official. The province has also closed parts of the construction industry.
• The military is moving into northern Quebec at the province’s request to help remote communities.
• In British Columbia, firefighters are ordered to attend only the most dire calls. Of the 1,900 businesses surveyed by a provincial business group, about half have seen revenues drop by 75 per cent.
• In New Brunswick, the Premier said he will release modelling data next week.
• In Alberta, charities providing meals to vulnerable people are facing increasing pressure.

In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned the Trump administration against blocking trade of essential goods between the U.S. and Canada, after medical manufacturer 3M said it is being forced to stop exporting N95 face masks.

• 3M said it has been told by the White House to stop sending N95 masks to Canada, but the company says there would be “significant humanitarian implications” in doing so.

The Prime Minister warned the U.S. that blocking trade could backfire, and “end up hurting Americans as much as it hurts anybody else.”

Still in Ottawa, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer called for greater parliamentary scrutiny, and said the Opposition should be able to directly question the government. He suggestions include having a small number of MPs meeting in the House of Commons or committee meetings via video-conferencing.

• The NDP also want greater parliamentary scrutiny. The party suggested a video-conferencing question period or more committee meetings.

Also today: Business and policy leaders say the conditions for the government’s wage subsidy program leave many out, including tech startups.

Number of the day

500

New York State recorded more than 500 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day, said Governor Andrew Cuomo. 2,935 people have died in the state from COVID-19.

• New York City alone accounts for more than a quarter of the country’s 6,058 COVID-19-related deaths.
• The city’s funeral homes are overwhelmed, and asking for help.

Coronavirus around the world

There have been at least 1,076,646 cases confirmed; with 225,427 recoveries and 58,029 deaths reported.

• In the United States, the Trump administration says the CDC has advised Americans to wear homemade masks in public. Trump says its a voluntary measure and he won’t wear a mask.
• Also in the United States, FBI seized a truckload of medical supplies that were being shipped from Canada to an American accused of profiteering. The shipment included nearly 200,000 surgical masks, which are now being redirected to doctors and nurses.
• Spain has overtaken Italy in number of confirmed coronavirus cases. The country has 117,710 confirmed cases, second only to the United States whose population is some seven times larger.
• In the weeks since Italy reported its first coronavirus death, 74 doctors have died. About 8 per cent of the country’s 120,000 cases are hospital workers. No other country has seen so many of its doctors die.
• Yesterday, the government in Greece locked down one refugee camp after 23 of its 2,300 residents tested positive. There are fears coronavirus could spread rapidly among the estimated 76,000 people who live in refugee camps.
• More than half the countries in Africa have closed their borders, however, the restrictions may delay access to aid.

Coronavirus and business:

What happened today?

The Big Six banks say they have deferred more than 10 per cent of mortgages. Almost 500,000 requests to defer or skip a payment have been completed or are in process.

And: The oil and gas industry’s service sector could be “completely decimated” without a bigger aid package, industry associations say.

Reader question

Question: I can’t stop stress snacking. What are some tips to keep a healthy diet while working from home?

Answer: Working from home doesn’t have to derail your diet. The following strategies can help you stay – or get back – on your healthy eating path. Here are some tips:

1. Maintain structure: Set a normal eating schedule, then stick to it.
2. Plan and pre-portion meals: Having a meal plan will help you make healthy choices and avoid snacking.
3. But when you do snack: Choose the right snack. Try pitas with hummus and olives, homemade popcorn, baked sweet potato fries or steamed edamame.

And remember: These are unprecedented times. Don’t beat yourself up if it takes a little longer than expected to find your rhythm.

Need more answers? Email audience@globeandmail.com

More Globe reporting and opinion:

• Where once “How are you?” was a pro forma part of any greeting sequence, it has become weighed down with new and sometimes dreary significance.
• In an effort to support low-income Canadians, the government will deliver the GST credit in April, a month earlier than planned.
• Countries are spending trillions to save the economy from the coronavirus crisis. Can the world afford it?
• Elizabeth Renzetti: Staying inside during this pandemic is difficult for everyone, but for those in abusive relationships the situation becomes critical
• Andrew Coyne: This is a crisis like no other, but if our leaders had behaved better, we might never have got into this fix, or might already be out of it.
• Gary Mason: “No health-care workers, including doctors, should knowingly risk their lives because they have not been provided with proper protective equipment.”
• Michael Harris: “Some seem to feel they should be learning French or lifting weights instead of drinking box wine. Shakespeare, we are told, wrote King Lear when he was quarantined during the plague. But so what? You’re allowed to watch Friends.”

An act of kindness

Pat, from Parksville on Vancouver Island writes:

My husband, a WW2 vet, turned 95 years of age on March 22nd.

We knew that we couldn’t celebrate with others this year. I was fortunate in that I had purchased a birthday card for him, weeks before. Early in the afternoon of the 22nd, there was a knock at the door. We opened it to the singing of Happy Birthday.

Two of our neighbours had come to celebrate Lorne’s birthday at a distance. One neighbour had baked and decorated a cake and the other neighbours had made a sign. It was a wonderful celebration. We both, were very grateful for their kindness.

Have you witnessed or performed acts of kindness in your neighbourhood? Share your stories, photos and videos and they might be included in The Globe and Mail. Email audience@globeandmail.com

Distractions

🎧 For the music buff

Did you miss Joel Plaskett’s live concert with The Globe?

Joel played some of his most popular songs, and premiered news songs from his upcoming album, 44, an ambitious quadruple-record box set that celebrates sounds and collaborators from across his career.

Catch up on the livestream and watch Joel’s brand-new song, Frontlines of the Hard Times. The Juno-winning musician says he wrote the tune honouring healthcare workers just days ago.

Are there other artists you would like to see live? Email audience@globeandmail.com

Information centre:

• Here’s what you should do if you are newly laid off; how to apply for EI and other financial benefits; and other coronavirus and employment questions answered.
• How to minimize damage to your credit score; how to manage retirement anxiety during difficult times; and things to think about if you’re considering home delivery.
• Here are the expectations for self-isolation; tips for managing anxiety; and protecting your mental health.
• How to get social distancing right; measures condo buildings are taking to encourage social distancing; and what you can do to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
• Here are the essentials to stock up on; the best pantry staples; foods to eat to maintain an immune system-friendly diet; and how to keep a healthy diet while working from home.
• How to break a bad habit (like touching your face) and what to do if you think you have the virus.

What are we missing? Email us: audience@globeandmail.com. Do you know someone who needs this newsletter? Send them to our Newsletters page.