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Some other Canadians remained in California for health reasons that were unrelated for the virus, he said.

There were 3,500 passengers and crew on board the Grand Princess cruise ship, which docked Monday at the Port of Oakland after days of being forced to idle off the coast of Northern California amid evidence it was the breeding ground for more than 20 COVID-19 infections.

Canada’s top doctor has urged Canadians to avoid all cruise travel, saying the confined quarters and frequent interactions can foster the spread of the illness.

Meanwhile, Canadian officials have been racing to develop a co-ordinated response to COVID-19, which has infected more than 100,000 people in 100 countries around the world.

Photo by Moe Doiron/REUTERS

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland wrote the provinces and territories asking them to inform the federal government of their state of readiness and any shortages they’re facing ahead of Friday’s first ministers meeting in Ottawa.

The meeting with provincial and territorial leaders will include discussions on the potential impact of the spreading virus on the country’s health-care system and its economy.

Canada had at least 79 cases of the respiratory illness as of Tuesday morning: 32 in British Columbia, 36 in Ontario, seven in Alberta and four in Quebec.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau also sought to reassure nervous investors on Monday, saying the Canadian economy can weather the economic impacts of the novel coronavirus.