By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) — A petition is circulating online calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to declare a state of emergency and implement a mandatory quarantine for the entire population.

Ottawa physician Dr. Britt Harrison is spearheading the petition.

Harrison said she wants Canada to avoid a situation like that in Italy where COVID-19 has overwhelmed the health care system. In an open letter to Trudeau, she said there are no proven therapies to treat COVID-19.

“We have limited capacity in hospital beds, ICU, ventilators and already short-staffed medical personnel,” writes Harrison, who says the quarantine will protect health care workers

She said present measures are not working “due to the lack of understanding of the general population to the importance of self-isolation even when asymptomatic.”

“Proactive drastic action now, even if perceived as overreacting and severely inconvenient to enact, is what is essential to save lives,” concludes Harrison.

But Trudeau again refused to declare a federal state of emergency and lockdown Monday. Instead, he scolded Canadians who refuse to practice social distancing.

“We’ve all seen the pictures online of people who seem to think their invincible,” said Trudeau. “Well you’re not. Enough is enough. Go home and stay home.”

If people don’t comply, the prime minister hinted there are other steps he could take.

“We’re going to make sure this happens, whether by educating people more on the risks, or by enforcing the rules if that’s needed,” said Trudeau. “Nothing that could help is off the table.”

But the prime minister is vague about what shape enforcement would take.

“Every step of the way if we see measures aren’t being followed, we will look at different measures that could be necessary to enforce these rules,” said Trudeau.

He said he will be meeting tonight with the provincial premiers to discuss what other measures may be taken.

 

(Eagle News Service)