{"id":253666,"date":"2020-05-01T05:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=253666"},"modified":"2020-05-01T05:30:00","modified_gmt":"2020-05-01T09:30:00","slug":"government-of-canada-introduces-new-digital-initiatives-to-its-suite-of-virtual-tools-for-covid%e2%80%9119","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/05\/01\/government-of-canada-introduces-new-digital-initiatives-to-its-suite-of-virtual-tools-for-covid%e2%80%9119\/","title":{"rendered":"Government of Canada introduces new digital initiatives to its suite of virtual tools for COVID\u201119"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, together with the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced two new additions to the Government of Canada\u2019s suite of virtual tools to support the health and wellness of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. (File Photo<\/a>: @PattyHajdu\/Twitter<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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COVID-19 is a global public health challenge that continues to evolve rapidly. The pandemic has greatly changed the daily lives of people around the world, including in Canada, and in response, the Government of Canada is developing digital tools to keep Canadians safe and informed.<\/p>\n

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, together with the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced two new additions to the Government of Canada\u2019s suite of virtual tools to support the health and wellness of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

Get Updates on COVID-19<\/a>\u00a0is a web-based email service that provides subscribers with critical information related to the pandemic. Developed by Health Canada, the Canadian Digital Service (CDS), and Service Canada, subscribers to the service will get emails directing them to important and authoritative content on the Government of Canada\u2019s COVID-19 website,\u00a0Canada.ca\/coronavirus<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition, the\u00a0ArriveCan<\/a>\u00a0app, developed in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency, has been launched across the country. It allows travellers returning to Canada to input their 14-day isolation or quarantine information quickly, easily and securely upon arrival. The app works by digitizing the information collected under the current paper form that travellers must complete. This required information includes flight or border crossing details, whether travellers are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and whether they have quarantine accommodations.<\/p>\n

Get Updates on COVID-19 and ArriveCan will join the government\u2019s suite of digital tools, including the\u00a0Canada COVID-19 mobile app<\/a>, which features a symptom tracker, a self-assessment tool, and information on mental health and substance use support through the\u00a0Wellness Together Canada<\/a>\u00a0portal. The app is free and available on\u00a0Canada.ca\/coronavirus<\/a>\u00a0and through the Apple App Store and Google Play.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Quotes<\/h2>\n

\u201cWe continue to act to make sure Canadians have access to updated and accurate information on the virus. I encourage all Canadians to use the Canada COVID-19 mobile app and the other digital tools to stay informed, to check your symptoms and to find help if you feel unwell or unsure.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
\nMinister of Health<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe collaboration happening across government and with other sectors to bring forward innovative digital solutions, such as Get Updates on COVID-19, to help address the challenges our country is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Today\u2019s announcement is yet another example of how we are supporting Canadians and improving access to important information and resources.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Honourable Joyce Murray
\nMinister of Digital Government<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been taking an all-of-government approach to creating solutions that help Canadians stay informed and remain healthy.\u00a0The\u00a0ArriveCan app is another example of how we are working together across government to find innovative ways to\u00a0limit the spread of COVID-19.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Honourable Bill Blair
\nMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Quick facts<\/h2>\n