Canada must not 'under-invest' in pandemic recovery, says Duclos

Investing into pandemic recovery is important. Canada must create a greater economy that benefits Canadians.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The first human cases of COVID-19 were identified in Wuhan, the capital of the province of Hubei in China in December 2019. The most recent country or territory to report its first confirmed case was the Federated States of Micronesia on 8 January 2021.

The dangerous Coronavirus Covid-19 virus certainly exists in the world and North America. The first cases in North America were reported in the United States in January 2020. Cases were reported in all North American countries after Saint Kitts and Nevis confirmed a case on 25 March, and in all North American territories after Bonaire confirmed a case on 16 April.

On 26 March 2020, USA became the country with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 infections, with over 82,000 cases. On 11 April 2020, USA became the country with the highest official death toll for COVID-19, with over 20,000 deaths. As of 21 November 2020 the total cases of COVID-19 are over 13,942,964 with over 383,084 total deaths.

As of 18 February 2021, Canada has reported 834,182 cases and 21,435 deaths, while Mexico has reported 2,013,563 cases and 177,061 deaths. The most cases by state is California with 3,492,045 cases and 47,916 deaths as of 18 February 2021.