A severe downturn was a long time coming

Welcome to the Maclean's daily newsletter. As the coronavirus disrupts life in Canada, and Canadians get used to the notion of "social distancing" and "flattening the curve," Maclean's has expanded this newsletter to include everything you need to know about the global pandemic. You'll still find our best stories of the day at the bottom of the newsletter, but we'll also catch you up on news and notes from around the world.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again”—Queen Elizabeth II, during her special broadcast to the Commonwealth. It was only the fifth special broadcast during her 68-year reign.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Canada has topped 16,000 while more than 320 have died. Worldwide, some 1.3 million have the virus and more than 70,000 have died. 

The outbreak in the greater New York City area continues to be the most serious on the continent. Nearly 2,500 have died of COVID-19 in the city. Though the number of hospitalizations continues to grow, Governor Andrew Cuomo says they have enough ventilators as of now. Help is coming from other states. On the weekend, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced the state was sending 140 ventilators to New York. As well, out-of-state ambulances are also plugging holes in a front-line emergency system, hard hit by the virus.

Today was the first day that Canadians could apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. As that $2,000/month benefit rolls out to those who have been laid off or can’t work because of the pandemic, the government has promised to expand who has access to it. Right now, the benefit only applies to workers who have no income at all, and excludes anyone who has had their work cut but not eliminated. 

After weeks of giving Canadians rudimentary data and graphics, the federal government has upped its game. The main coronavirus site now has a clear, concise interactive map, along with detailed epidemiological summaries. As well, the Public Health Agency of Canada just unveiled a slick dashboard with even more data. 

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, now says it’s fine for the general public to wear non-medical (ie., cloth) masks in public: “Canadians can take this additional measure in instances where social distancing is difficult.” Still, she cautions that the scientific evidence regarding wearing such masks isn’t certain. As for how to make such a mask, there are lots of online resources. The most basic method involves a piece of fabric and two elastics. (On the weekend, I tried this method and also these instructions from the New York Times and can attest to the ease with which these masks are made.)

New Zealand PM Jacintha Arden made an important announcement that every parent of young children should note: both the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy are “essential workers” and thus are free to travel, though she cautions it may be “difficult for the bunny to get everywhere” given the pandemic. 

“Some Good News,” a charming weekly video designed to cheer and amuse in this era of bleak news, is back. Created by actor/writer/director John Krasinski, the second episode includes a special musical offering near the end. Just you wait, just you wait.

—Patricia Treble

As of the latest update, this is the number of confirmed cases in Canada. We're updating this chart every day.