Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the partial shutdown of Canada has to for ‘last weeks’ more to get COVID-19 under control.

It was his strongest warning yet against loosening economic restrictions too soon as he unveiled more help for hard-hit workers on Wednesday. Trudeau says Canada needs to get through the first wave of COVID-19 before the government can consider reopening the country and its economy.

“One size fits all will not work,” he said at his daily briefing in Ottawa. “It will be weeks more before we can seriously consider loosening the requirements.”

In the last month, the national economy has contracted sharply as businesses have been ordered closed and Canadians told to stay home. Preliminary data from Statistics Canada showed economic activity had collapsed in March, suggesting the drop could be a record nine per cent.

Loosening controls too quickly could mean the country gives up the ground gained, according to the PM, who says that could cause even greater economic damage than the pandemic has already inflicted.

“Until there is a vaccine, we are going to have to remain extremely vigilant as a world [and] as a country for resurgences,” Trudeau noted.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 27,540 cases and 954 deaths in Canada due to COVID-19. In B.C. there are 1,517 reported cases and now 72 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon.

New Help Announced for Workers

Part-time and seasonal workers are now eligible to claim the $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit, with new money also coming for front-line workers.

Workers who are earning less than $1,000 a month – such as contract or gig economy workers – or those who are seasonally employed and can’t find work because of COVID-19, as well as those who are running out of employment insurance, can now apply to the CERB.

“Maybe you’re a volunteer firefighter, or a contractor who can pick up some shifts, or you have a part-time job in a grocery store. Even if you’re still working, or you want to start working again, you probably need help making ends meet,” Trudeau said.

“For many workers looking after the most vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and those with disabilities, we know conditions have gotten more difficult over the past weeks. And you need support right now,” Trudeau said.

“As we face an unprecedented threat to public health, you are our most important line of defence. We will do whatever we can to help you do your job and support you through this.”

Speaking on Tuesday, Trudeau said to expect more announcements this week for help for students, businesses’ commercial rent, and sectors that have been particularly hard-hit by the novel coronavirus.