Canadian Parliament shut due to coronavirus

Canada's federal political parties have reached a deal to suspend Parliament until at least April 20 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Conservative House of Commons leader Mark Strahl said.

The House of Commons will break today after completing legislative business, though the federal government will still be able to spend money to address the pandemic.

The moves came a day after Trudeau's wife tested positive for the virus after returning from the United Kingdom. The prime minister himself has been in self-imposed quarantine. Trudeau said on Friday that his wife has mild flu-like symptoms but is doing fine. He said neither he nor their three children are showing symptoms.

The Canadian government is advising the cancellation of all large events such as concerts. Transport Minister Marc Garneau said cruise ships with more than 500 people will not be able to dock in Canada until July 1.

Overseas flights returning to Canada will also be restricted to a small number of airports in the country.

More than 5,000 people have died and over 137,000 are infected globally, according to the World Health Organization. Nearly 70,000 victims have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus.

 

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