On Parliament Hill

My thoughts and prayers go out to the hundreds of Canadian families affected by the coronavirus. Rest assured that all parties and all levels of government are working together to support affected Canadians and help prevent further spread of the virus.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to assess the risk associated with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as low for the general population in Canada, but that could change.

It is important to follow the advice of health care professionals and public health agencies to contain the spread of this virus.

The government has announced new travel restrictions that went into effect yesterday. Canada is barring entry to all travelers who are not Canadian citizens, permanent residents or American citizens. Exceptions will be made for air crews, diplomats, and the immediate family members of citizens.

The Prime Minister also announced that no person displaying symptoms will be allowed to board a flight to Canada.

As of March 18th, international flights will only be permitted to land at airports in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. However, flights from the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and domestic flights can still land at other airports.

Travel between Canada and the US remains open, including for commercial drivers.

Snowbirds are urged to return to Canada as several medical insurance providers are advising clients that, due to the pandemic, they will stop coverage on Monday, March 23rd.

I would also advise constituents to be aware of a despicable new phone scam where people are told they have tested positive for coronavirus and asked to give their credit card number for medication to be delivered.

I would like to assure you that my staff and I will remain available to assist you in the riding. However, out of an abundance of caution, our constituency office will be open by appointment only. We ask that you please call or email prior to visiting the office in person to help limit the spread of the virus.

You can reach my office by phone at 204-326-9889, toll-free at 1-866-333-1933 or by email at ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation. We look forward to continuing to serve you.

Recommendations to help limit the spread of the virus:

• avoid contact with people who are ill.
• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
• use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• when coughing or sneezing: cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
• dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently: toys, toilets, phones, electronics, door handles, bedside tables, TV remotes.
• avoid gatherings of more than 50 people.

For a variety of related information and resources, you can visit tedfalk.ca.