Policy and Rights Omnicron VAriant December 23 2021

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation; and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; on COVID-19 relief supports for businesses and an update on winter weather preparations.WHO is issuing updated guidance for health workers, recommending the use of either a respirator or a medical mask, in addition to other personal protective equipment, when entering a room where there is a patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.In a virtual news conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canadians on the COVID-19 situation. He announces the federal government is temporarily expanding eligibility for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and the Local Lockdown Program amid the implementation of new restrictions across the country. He also announces that three members of his staff and three members of his security detail have tested positive for COVID-19, but says he has so far tested negative. The prime minister is joined by federal ministers Chrystia Freeland (finance), Jean-Yves Duclos (health) and Carla Qualtrough (employment). Also taking part in the news conference are Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, and Dr. Howard Njoo, deputy chief public health officer, who provide an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Omicron variant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.