Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was trying to quell Canadians' fears about the coronavirus.
Speaking to an audience in Halifax Tuesday, Trudeau said the risk of COVID-19 to Canadians remains low, but Ottawa will ensure provincial and territorial health authorities have adequate resources to respond to a potential outbreak.
The PM said Canada is following the recommendations of the World Health Organization on "best paths" to respond to the global spread of the respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus. He said the virus presents a "real challenge" to health care systems around the world.
Trudeau said he can reassure Canadians that the risk remains low here, but the government continues to monitor "very closely and carefully" developments around the world and make decisions based on science and expert recommendations.
As of Tuesday, there were 29 cases of COVID-19 in Canada; 20 in Ontario, eight in British Columbia and one in Quebec.
Trudeau said Canada is also co-ordinating with international partners to mitigate the impact on the global economy, acknowleding that Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs could take a hit.
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