Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is working with the provinces to get COVID-19 rapid test kits to the front line. He also says more steps are being made to safeguard seniors. He says more Red Cross support is being deployed to a number of long term care facilities.

Federal health officials say they are concerned about the rapidly rising COVID-19 cases. On Monday, in Saskatchewan alone, there were 48 new cases added to the roster. Chief Pubic Health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says the recent spike in numbers shows the continued importance of social distancing, mask use, and hand hygiene. She says the actions of individuals are critical to containing the virus. She says public health authorities cannot manage the resurgences on their own.

On another matter, Prime Minister Trudeau also says applications are being accepted for the new Canada Recovery Benefit. It provides up to $500 per week for 26 weeks to self employed people who don’t qualify for E.I. benefits. People can apply through Canada Revenue Agency’s, “My Account.” More than 240 thousand applications have already come in.