Coronavirus may be slowing in Canada—talk of opening up begins

Ontario reported a smaller rise in coronavirus cases than it has been seeing recently, with only 510. The province reported 37 deaths which brings its total to 659, according to City News.

Another encouraging fact was that for the first time, Ontario was able to pass the 50 percent marker for resolved infections.

Premier Doug Ford has talked about slowly opening up the province and easing social distancing restrictions if the trend continues. This would allow some semblance of normal life to return gradually to Ontario.

The Premier of Prince Edward Island, Dennis King, has also talked about letting up on coronavirus constraints as the province has only experienced 24 cases and no deaths.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault mentioned a plan that would be introduced next week, aimed at gradually reopening schools. Quebec has reported a 93 additional deaths.

Dr. Theresa Tam, the Chief Public Health Officer noted that the country was doing well at slowing the spread of the virus but warned that Canada should not let its guard down yet. She mentioned focusing on places that are still being hit hardest by the virus, like seniors homes.

Legault asked for 1,000 military personnel to be sent from Ottawa in order to help with long-term care homes. Ford is making a similar request to the Trudeau government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the Canada-US border closure will continue until at least May 21st.

In the US, over 45,000 people have died from the virus—most of those being in New York City which has reported close to 15,000 deaths.

Some places are seeing better results, such as New Zealand, with only around 1,500 cases and 14 deaths. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that next week the country will be reducing their alert level from Level 4 to Level 3. This means that the country will gradually begin reopening some schools and businesses as well as taking away some travel restrictions.