‘Enough is enough,’ Trudeau says to Canadians ignoring COVID-19 advice

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tone hardened Monday as he warned Canadians ignoring COVID-19 mitigation measures that “enough is enough.”

Trudeau said across the country, people need to realize that ignoring social and physical distancing protocols is putting others at risk, from the elderly to the essential workers.

“Enough is enough. Go home and stay home,” Trudeau said.

“This is what we all need to be doing and we’re going to make sure it happens.”

How exactly the federal government will or could make sure it happens has been the subject of debate for days, and will likely be a large part of a scheduled call later Monday between Trudeau and the premiers of the provinces and territories.

Many provinces have implemented states of emergency, which among other things, give authorities latitude to impose fines or other penalties on those who violate quarantine orders.

Trudeau has so far resisted the idea of putting into place the federal equivalent, the Emergencies Act, saying Monday that since it requires taking power out of the hands of the provinces, there needs to be a discussion with them first.

Trudeau said no provinces have asked yet for the Emergencies Act to go into force.

The federal government is launching a $30-million ad campaign to advise Canadians about how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, beginning today.

The ads, two in English and two in French, feature Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, once again urging Canadians to keep their distance from one another and to practice good personal hygiene such as by washing their hands thoroughly and frequently.

Trudeau said the campaigns, and other communications efforts, mean not having heard the message about staying home won’t be an excuse for anyone.

“Listening is your duty and staying home is your way to serve,” he said.

Trudeau also announced that Canada is spending $192 million on developing and producing vaccines for the novel coronavirus.

He said being prepared to mass-produce a vaccine, no matter who creates it, will be essential for suppressing COVID-19 in Canada in the long run.

As of mid-day Monday, there were 1,563 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in Canada.

The Canadian Press