Words to remember: Canadian newsmakers have their say on COVID-19

A look at some of the top quotes from across Canada on Tuesday in relation to COVID-19:

“In New Brunswick, a kid, one small hand-coloured words of encouragement in crayon. These words posted in the window for social distancing walkers to see and it says ‘we all have to do hard things.’ I am your earworm, your broken record. It’s important to reinforce these recommendations.”

— Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief medical health officer.

“I never thought in my whole life I’d see the day where I’d say we can’t have the public celebration of the Eucharist for a time. It’s a very difficult time with the virus. We’re going through the valley of tears.”

— Cardinal Thomas Collins.

“The duration of this crisis will be determined by the choices we make right now. Do your part: Stay home.”

— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Hearing everything is on the table, but not having any more meat on the table is wearing thin with the business community that is absolutely freaking out.”

— Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

“We are at a pivotal moment right here and right now … Where we go from here, what happens next depends on you. To those of you who believe the choice to ignore public health recommendations will not make a difference, this is not accurate and this is not acceptable.”

— Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health.

“The goal here is to get education out there, but if we do encounter somebody who is blatantly ignoring what they are being asked to do, enforcement may certainly be an option.”

— RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Jennifer Clarke.

“We need to do everything possible to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a society, we’re being asked to make tremendous individual sacrifices. To get through this, we must all make sacrifices. We must put our collective well-being above all else.”

— Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

“Only air hugs, waves, winks or kisses in the air. It’s a little bit scary, but we don’t have any other option.”

— Giovanna Loureiro on her upcoming wedding being moved to a Toronto photography studio with just immediate family.

“What we’re seeing here today is a result of people going in a public setting and spreading COVID-19. You are threatening the lives of loved ones and your own life.”

— Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2020.

The Canadian Press