We received one question today and we appreciated it as it allows us to continue providing facts. The question related to “four people from Trenton who have shown positive and have been transferred off base to 3 different hospitals. Are facts not being shared truthfully?????.”

Today, we continue our concern about vulnerable populations. I begin with residents of long term care, and return once again, to persons experiencing homelessness and living in shelters.

As informed earlier, the Federal Government announced on Saturday that it has chartered a plane to repatriate Canadians on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan, given the extraordinary circumstances faced by passengers and to lighten the burden on the Japanese healthcare system.

We had a FANTASTIC day at RNAO’s 20th annual Queen’s Park Day. Shining a light on the key health issues affecting nursing practice and the health of Ontarians, 130 RNAO leaders engage in vibrant conversations with about 40 MPPs from all parties, including Premier Doug Ford, Minister Christine Elliott, NDP health critic France Gelinas, interim leader of the Liberal Part John Fraser, and leader of the Green Party Mike Schreiner.

RN Timea Andersen responds to a letter from retired RN Diana Sebera. She says: "I have always had great appreciation for the calling of nurses working in both palliative and geriatric settings. Clearly, a tremendous amount of education of both other nurses and medical personnel as well as the general public is required about the stigmas and the value our elderly and vulnerable people have to our society as well our obligations to them, whether we know them or not."

Welcome to the Canadians from the Diamond Princess cruise ship who arrived today from Japan and are in Cornwall beginning their 14 day quarantine period. We wish them well and are here to support you with encouragement and good wishes.

As new countries report the arrival of COVID-19 at their doorsteps (Lebanon and Israel today), and more cases are reported in countries outside of China, the threat of a pandemic is very real. Thus, your continuing safeguard of our supplies is as important as ever.

From RNAO’s perspective, although we hope not to face the situation, this means we need to accelerate the preparation for a possible COVID-19 pandemic. The heroic efforts to stop or limit the spread of the virus in China, South Korea and elsewhere have bought time and have slowed down the spread, providing more opportunity for preparations at every level, including assisting countries with weak health systems

The second cohort of Canadians and their family members, who arrived at CFB Trenton on Feb. 11, are being released tomorrow after 14 days of quarantine. The excitement of going home is within arm’s reach and we can feel it and celebrate with you!

For this we have updated our communication’s plan. The Ministry of Health’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Situation Reports will be shared with you each day of the week, and also the Situation Reports posted daily by WHO.