Read The Star’s live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here. This story is no longer updating.

12 a.m.: The Ottawa Senators say one of its players has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The NHL team did not name the player when releasing the news tonight.

The Senator becomes the first NHL player to receive a positive COVID-19 test. The Senators say the player has mild symptoms and is in isolation.

11:50 p.m.: Westjet Airlines says some of its passengers may have been exposed to people infected with the novel coronavirus on recent flights.

The Calgary-based company made the announcement on their website and social media Tuesday, listing the flights and affected rows.

11:45 p.m.: A federal government official in Ottawa says Canada and the United States are working out the details of a mutual ban on non-essential travel between the two countries to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The official, responding to a report by CNN citing American government figures, spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose details of talks that are still ongoing.

The network reported late Tuesday that the two countries are working on a joint statement that would be issued in within a day or two.

The restrictions would be designed to ensure that cross-border trade and commerce can continue.

8 p.m.: A federal prison in central Alberta has been locked down as a precaution as some inmates who showed flu-like symptoms await test results for COVID-19.

Correctional Services Canada says there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Bowden Institution, but a group of less than 10 inmates has been tested for the novel coronavirus.

Correctional Services Canada says the health and safety of its employees, offenders and the public is its top priority and it continues to take preventative measures, including testing any offenders as required.

It says it has its own health care services in its institutions and can handle cases of influenza and respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19.

7:18 p.m.: The start of the French Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments that define success in tennis, will be postponed from May 24 until Sept. 20 because of the coronavirus, organizers announced Tuesday — immediately drawing criticism for not consulting others in the game.

The date change created conflicts with other events, including the Laver Cup men’s team event headlined by Roger Federer that is scheduled for Sept. 25-27 in Boston, and a women’s tournament in Wuhan, China, the city at the center of the global pandemic. Player Vasek Pospisil said the decision came “out of the blue ... They are basically doing a power play right now, and it’s quite arrogant.”

7:15 p.m.: The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs have declared a state of emergency for 62 First Nations due to COVID-19. The move includes closing reserve borders to non-essential travel.

Grand Chief Arlen Dumas says First Nations do not have the physical housing ability to socially isolate and must take extra precautions.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization also declared a state of emergency earlier Tuesday saying First Nations are at risk due to chronic overcrowding, lack of equitable health care and poor infrastructure.

None of the 15 cases of the novel coronavirus in Manitoba have been reported from a First Nation.

6:48 p.m.: Late Tuesday afternoon Hudson’s Bay announced that all 89 of its stores nationwide would be closing for at least two weeks, effective immediately. “During this closure, our store associates will be paid for all scheduled shifts that were planned for the two weeks,” the company added in a statement.

The Holt Renfrew and H&M retail chains also announced temporary, immediate closure of all stores on Tuesday, with the latter being effective across North America.

6:29 p.m.: Three more people in British Columbia have died from novel coronavirus as provincial health officials said they were experiencing a spike in cases.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed the deaths on Tuesday and said there are 83 new confirmed cases in B.C. of COVID-19, a marked increase from previous daily updates. Henry also announced that B.C. has declared a public health emergency.

There are now 186 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C. and eight deaths in Canada so far — seven in B.C. and one in Ontario. Alberta, meanwhile, is reporting 23 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 97.

6:12 p.m.: A man in his 70s who has died was one of four new cases of COVID-19 announced Tuesday afternoon in the province of Ontario.

Three of the new cases are travel related but not the deceased, whose contraction of the virus was blamed by provincial authorities on “close contact” with someone else affected. This increase of 12 on Tuesday — eight announced in the morning, four in the afternoon — brings Ontario’s total cases to 189.

The dead man’s case was reported by the Simcoe Muskoka district health unit, north of Toronto. The other three were in the Kingston region and had just returned from travel — to Spain, Barbados and the U.K.

5:59 p.m.: After struggling for days to secure a flight home for a group of students on a humanitarian mission to Guatemala, a Quebec school board paid $280,000 for a chartered flight that scooped them out of the Central American country minutes before its border closed.

The 45 high school students and five teachers were on the last plane out of the Guatemala City airport Monday night, Helene Dumais, spokeswoman for the Commission scolaire des Grandes-Seigneuries, said Tuesday.

They landed Tuesday morning at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, she said, less than one week after the group left to work in a centre for disabled people in the Guatemalan village of San Juan La Laguna.

5:10 p.m.: In an effort to get COVID-19 tests to the public more quickly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is waiving the normal regulations and allowing test makers to market scientifically valid products in the U.S. immediately.

The FDA announced updated federal guidelines Monday night — which it called “unprecedented” — to allow new tests for COVID-19 to go onto the U.S. market. A Salt Lake City company called Co-Diagnostics said Tuesday morning that it intends to quickly distribute its Logix Smart COVID-19 test to certified labs around the country.

In the U.S., all tests being performed to detect COVID-19 work by detecting snippets of viral genetic code in a patient sample. They require large, complex machines found in places like the state health departments, major hospitals and commercial labs.

On Monday night, the FDA issued guidance stating that it does not intend to object if companies start offering “serology” tests, which can infer the presence of COVID-19 by detecting specific blood cells produced in response to the virus.

4:29 p.m.: The LCBO is reducing its hours following the province’s state of emergency declaration. In a statement, the LCBO wrote that beginning Thursday, all stores will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

“This measure follows previous action taken to elevate store cleaning and sanitization protocols and increased prevention awareness amongst employees,” the statement read. “Delivery options remain available to customers, though customers will have to follow pick up directions provided by Canada Post for home deliveries.”

4:23 p.m.: North American stock markets rebounded strongly from Monday’s steep losses on co-ordinated actions by central banks and plans for a US$1 trillion stimulus package by the U.S. government.

The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 324.81 points or 2.6 per cent at 12,685.21.

In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 1,048.86 points at 21,237.38. The S&P 500 index was up 143.06 points at 2,529.19, while the Nasdaq composite was up 430.19 points or 6.2 per cent at 7,334.78.

The Canadian dollar was down as investors continued to turn to the safety of the U.S. greenback as it traded for 70.55 cents US compared with an average of 71.61 cents US on Monday.

4:06 p.m.: Costco says it has had a surge of business since the COVID-19 outbreak, and is going to start controlling the number of customers allowed in its warehouses in response.

The company is also reducing some services and is asking customers and employees to practice social distancing in its stores.

Limits have been placed on the number of certain items customers are allowed to buy at once and the company is working with suppliers to make sure in-demand items are available.

Costco has also stepped up sanitation of its carts, cashes and product shelves.

3:50 p.m.: The number of coronavirus cases in Quebec has jumped to 74.

The province added 11 more cases this afternoon, in addition to the 13 reported earlier today.

The new cases are scattered across several different regions, including a total of five in the Lanaudiere and Laurentides regions north of Montreal, and two in the Monteregie southeast of the city.

3:45 p.m.: Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, says there are 108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Toronto including four people who have recovered. But there’s an accelerated rate of transmission plus signs of local transmission. De Villa says they expect to see continued rise in cases in Toronto in coming weeks. Urges anyone who travelled abroad to self-isolate. Asks every person and business to implement social distancing.

3:30 p.m.: Alberta Premier Jason Kenney declared a public emergency in the province Tuesday, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Under new rules, any organized gathering of more than 50 people must be cancelled immediately, and Albertans are prohibited from entering many public facilities, including bars, recreation facilities, museums and fitness centres.

3:25 p.m.: Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, says there’s a backlog in the testing. Adds that they are trying to get more kits, however items such as swabs are in short supply because of global demand.

3:15 p.m.: The B.C. government is suspending all in-class instruction in the province’s schools indefinitely.

Education Minister Rob Fleming says his department is working with school districts and teachers to figure out a plan to continue learning, but not in classrooms.

The suspension of classes will not affect students who are scheduled to graduate this spring.

Fleming says all students who are on course to graduate from Grade 12, and those progressing to the next grade, will do so.

There are 103 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C., including outbreaks at two care homes and a hospital in North Vancouver.

3 p.m.: Ontario health officials say 29 per cent of travel-related cases in province are now from the U.S., with the top states being New York, Colorado, California, Florida, Nevada and Massachusetts.

2:45 p.m.: The New Brunswick legislature has passed legislation to delay the municipal elections planned for May. They could be delayed up to a year.

The legislation also makes it possible to postpone two provincial byelections if necessary. They are currently set for June 15.

After passing the election legislation, the Legislative Assembly rose today until further notice.

Premier Blaine Higgs also called on banks to consider what they can do to help small businesses stay afloat.

2:45 p.m.: Mayor John Tory concludes statement by thanking health and other front-line workers. Says people are helping others, is “the Toronto way” and will get city through pandemic.

2:30 p.m.: Mayor John Tory announces that non-essential City of Toronto staff are being told to work from home. They will be paid and not laid off. Workers for essential services like water will continue to go to work. Civic centres will close, (City staff were extremely upset that Toronto officials were urging people to stay home while telling them to report for work).

Tory says he continues to talk with industry sectors on ways governments can help them weather this storm — will take “extraordinary” steps including significant city contingency fund to help businesses survive and workers make ends meet.

2:10 p.m.: Toronto to close all civic centres, city hall and Metro Hall to public starting Wednesday as they scale back non-essential services. Some staff will be allowed to work from home with limitations. Tory to make this announcement at 2:30 p.m.

1:55 p.m.: The Rolling Stones are postponing their 15-city North American tour because of the growing coronavirus outbreak.

The band announced Tuesday that its No Filter Tour, originally expected to kick off in San Diego on May 8, is postponed. They were to make a stop in Vancouver on May 12.

The Stones’ tour through North America last year was postponed after Mick Jagger had heart surgery, but the band rescheduled those dates and returned triumphantly to the road with a show in Chicago. Another of the rescheduled shows featured the announcement that NASA had named a tiny tumbling stone spotted on the Martian surface after the band.

1:52 p.m.: Kingston announced three cases this afternoon, and each patient had travel history to Spain, Barbados and the United Kingdom. All are self-isolating. In addition to the eight previously announced Tuesday morning by the province, Ontario has 11 new cases so far today.

1:40 p.m.: New Brunswick’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Russell says the province has a new presumptive case of COVID-19.

The newest case is a 10-year-old boy who is a close contact with one of the two confirmed travel cases in the province.

New Brunswick now has a total of eight cases, two confirmed and six presumptive.

1:37 p.m.: Casinos in Alberta remain open despite a restriction on mass gatherings and the shuttering of schools and daycares due to COVID-19.

Other provinces — including Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec — have closed their casinos.

Officials in Calgary, where a local state of emergency has been called, have questioned why the province hasn’t done the same.

Alberta’s chief medical officer said at her daily update on Monday that there were no plans to close gaming establishments.

The provincial government takes in about $1.4 billion annually from casinos and lotteries.

1:30 p.m.: Quebec Premier Francois Legault is imploring youth to abide by rules in place forbidding gatherings amid a rising number of cases of COVID-19.

Legault made the plea today to athletes, artists, YouTubers and influencers — anyone with a young audience — to transmit the message that it’s not the time to be holding parties.

He says the province is launching a blitz to get that message across to younger people, who apparently haven’t heeded the advice of health officials.

The province is reporting an additional 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since Monday, bringing the total to 63.

1:20 p.m.: Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Liberal government is “urgently reviewing” whether to stay the course on allowing U.S. citizens to keep coming into Canada, noting “nothing is off the table.”

She says the Canada-U.S. border is a “lifeline” to Canada and that includes how we get many important supplies, including groceries and medicines.

Freeland is also urging all U.S. citizens who do not need to be in Canada to stay away.

She says now is not the time for residents of either country to cross the border for non-essential reasons.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu says Canadians who live near the U.S. border and are used to crossing over to pick up packages or buy cigarettes, alcohol or groceries should refrain from doing so.

1:16 p.m.: Freeland says she wants to tell potential visitors to Canada “not to come.” She’s talking about American tourists who are still allowed to come, under advisement to self-isolate for 14 days if they do.

1:15 p.m.: President Donald Trump is acknowledging Canada’s decision to continue letting American citizens into the country, even though the borders have been closed to other foreign nationals.

Trump says the U.S. is working very closely with Canada, and also with Mexico, but he’s refusing to say if the White House will close the doors to either country’s citizens.

In a news conference today, Trump singled out the new North American trade deal, which Canada finally approved last week, and described the relationship with both countries as “outstanding.”

The federal Liberal government says the exemption for U.S. citizens is to accommodate those people who live and work on opposite sides of the Canada-U.S. border.

The move has been panned by opposition critics who say it risks exposing Canadians to a potentially significant source of the virus.

1:10 p.m.: Transport Minister Marc Garneau says he is in close contact with airlines as well as Via Rail about the unprecedented impact on their operations.

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He says the demand for air travel has dropped in “an almost precipitous manner.”

Asked about compensation, Garneau says he is in discussions with the sector but does not have anything specific to share at this time.

1:11 p.m.: The coronavirus is now spreading locally within a dozen African nations, continental health authorities said Tuesday, while a cruise ship was quarantined off Cape Town after several passengers shared a flight with a cargo ship worker who shows virus symptoms.

African nations have pointed to the number of cases confirmed in people arriving from abroad as the reason to slam shut some border posts and turn away foreigners. But the growing number of locally transmitted cases brings a new level of danger.

Economically shattered Zimbabwe, with one of the world’s weakest health systems, declared a national disaster on Tuesday even before the country has confirmed a case. It banned gatherings of more than 100 people for the next two months.

1 p.m.: Prince Edward Island still has only one confirmed case of COVID-19 but health officials are alerting anyone who was on West Jet flight 3440 on March 7 from Toronto to Moncton, N.B., to self isolate.

Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public health officer says the woman who is the confirmed case on the Island did return on that flight after travelling on a cruise ship.

Morrison also says all restaurants and bars will close in-room dining and dental clinics will be closing for 14 days.

She also says wakes at funerals will be family only with gatherings limited to no more than 20 people.

12:53 p.m.: Manitoba has announced that licensed daycares and preschools are being closed at the end of the day on Friday.

Premier Brian Pallister says it may be possible for a few to stay open as an essential service, and home daycares will continue to be available.

The province has also announced that all casinos will close tomorrow due to concerns about the novel coronavirus.

There are eight cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba, and all but one have been confirmed at the national

12:35 p.m.: Public Safety Minister Bill Blair stressed Canadians coming over the land border will always be allowed in, and those with symptoms will be referred to public health officials. Blair says irregular migrants will be taken into custody, screened for symptoms and questioned about where they’ve been. These asylum-seekers are being placed in new shelters to ensure they isolate for 14 days, Blair says.

12:26 p.m.: Canada’s top doctor says most of the more than 440 COVID-19 cases in the country are still among people who have recently travelled.

That includes eight Canadians who were repatriated from the Grand Princess cruise ship who are currently in quarantine at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.

But Dr. Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer, says officials are concerned about the increase of cases in Ontario, particularly three cases being investigated as coming from community transmission.

She says there are also a number of cases in several provinces connected to a large dental conference that took place in Vancouver.

Tam also underscores the need to avoid large gatherings and stay home as much as possible.

She encourages Canadians to keep donating blood, and noted that Canadian Blood Services has all the procedures in place to keep people safe.

12:10 p.m.: Newfoundland and Labrador has announced two more presumptive cases of COVID-19 in the province, bringing the total number of cases to three.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province’s chief medical officer of health, says the woman and man live within the Labrador-Grenfell Health region, which covers Labrador and part of Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula.

The cases are linked to contact with the province’s first presumptive case announced on Saturday.

Fitzgerald recommended the closure of public spaces including fitness facilities, arenas, bars, performances spaces and said all St. Patrick’s Day celebrations scheduled for tonight should be cancelled.

12:07 p.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Emergencies Act is a tool the federal government can use to enact measures it would otherwise not be able to enact.

He says the Liberal government is looking at other ways to impose new measures without calling a state of emergency.

Trudeau also says that with three million Canadians living or travelling abroad at any time, it would not be possible to expect that everyone would be able to come home immediately.

Trudeau also says Canada is in a good fiscal position to be able to invest in Canadian individuals and businesses to make sure the country gets through this difficult time and continues to “prosper and grow” once this moment is over.

11:52 a.m.: Ontario health officials are confirming the province’s first death in a patient with COVID-19.

A spokesman for Health Minister Christine Elliott says the 77-year-old man in the Muskoka region was a close contact of another positive case.

Travis Kann says the man himself wasn’t a confirmed case before he died, rather he was under investigation for the virus.

COVID-19 was discovered after his death. The investigation into the exact cause of death is ongoing.

11:41 a.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urges Canadians to stay at home and not go out for St. Patrick’s day in a televised statement. Also announces closing of national parks starting Wednesday. Adds that “anything with a door will be closed.”

Says that there will be “major announcement” on Wednesday on economic actions to support Canadians “as quickly as possible.”

Trudeau said Ontario is taking the right steps by declaring a state of emergency. Trudeau reminded people to say at home as much as possible and wash their hands.

11:28 a.m.: Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott tells CP24 that a patient has died in the Muskoka region but it’s unclear if COVID-19 is the cause of death. It would be the first in Ontario if confirmed. Four COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Canada, all were residents at one care home in North Vancouver.

10:40 a.m.: The Ontario government announces eight new cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 185. Five of the new cases were detected in Hamilton, while two were in Middlesex London and one in York. All patients are self-isolating, health officials say.

One of the new patients, a man in his 60s, tested positive at Southlake hospital after returning from a trip to Costa Rica, and is now self-isolating. The rest were listed as pending.

The new cases announced mark a big drop from the previous two days, but there are 1,567 cases under investigation. There have been 11,167 tests, with 9,415 negative and five resolved (when a patient is no longer infectious based on two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart).

9:50 a.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Liberals will soon announce measures to help Canadians and businesses under financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with 680 News, Trudeau said the federal government is looking at a range of measures — including helping Canadians with their mortgages and funneling cash to families through the Canada child benefit.

“We will be making announcements over the next couple of days to demonstrate how we’re going to support Canadians, whether it’s through E.I. for people who qualify for employment insurance . . . whether it’s money to businesses will allow them to keep people on the payroll even though they’re staying home,” Trudeau said.

9:15 a.m.: Toronto mayor John Tory says he fully supports the province’s declaration of a state of emergency because it will help all cities protect the health of residents and further prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“I hope the seriousness of this declaration will make it clear to every resident how important their personal actions will be in the coming days,” Tory said in a statement. “If people can stay home then stay home and limit your interactions with other people. We know from our medical professionals that engaging in social distancing will protect people’s health and the health of their family and their neighbours.”

9:15 a.m.: Quebec political leaders have announced the provincial legislature will be closed until April 21 after today’s sitting due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Simon Jolin-Barrette, the government house leader, made the announcement today alongside counterparts from Quebec’s other major political parties.

Jolin-Barrette says the suspension is to limit the spread of novel coronavirus and to allow legislators to work from home.

He says legislature members also need to be available to constituents in their ridings.

8:56 a.m.: Shopping malls will still be allowed to stay open during Ontario’s state of emergency for now. But Ontario’s medical officer of health Dr. David Williams says that is not being ruled out.

8:50 a.m.: Premier Doug Ford stresses that “it’s absolutely critical to keep the supply chains open.” Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have stressed there is no need for panic buying during the pandemic.

8:47 a.m.: Ford says there will be more care beds to come, more personal protection equipment to be purchased (from masks to ventilators) and more testing to be done for workers in health care. There will be funds for staffing such as doctors, nurses, professional support workers. “We will spare no expense to help Ontarians.” Says this is the first stage.

8:45 a.m.: Ford — “Every Ontarian must support each other. . . . We have the greatest minds, the greatest businesses, the greatest people in the entire world. . . . Ontario will come out of this stronger than ever before.”

8:40 a.m.: “We must come together as a province,” Ford says after declaring a state of emergency in Ontario.

Ford has ordered the immediate closure of all bars and restaurants — except those offering takeout — as well as places of worship, theatres, private schools, and daycares.

A new $300 million relief package — the first stage of a larger initiative — will help people affected by the outbreak.

Ford stressed that “we will support you during these difficult times.”

8:34 a.m.: Ford emphasized that “this is not a provincial shutdown.” Most businesses can remain open. Supermarkets, pharmacies, factories to remain open.

8:32 a.m.: Ford has declared a state of emergency in the province. Public events of more than 50 people banned till March 30. All bars and restaurants closed. Only takeout allowed.

8:13 a.m.: Ford will declare a state of emergency in Ontario at 8:30 a.m. This gives the provincial government the power to order businesses and workplaces to close instead of just making a recommendation. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical offices will remain open.

Ford will be making the announcement with Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Health Minister Christine Elliott, and Finance Minister Rod Phillips at Queen’s Park.

8 a.m. Toronto mayor John Tory is urging the city to avoid crowds for today’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations after the city announced the advised closure of restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the city. “If you avoid green beer scenes today — as public health officials advise — I promise to proclaim a nice spring day after COVID-19 has been vanquished as St. Patrick’s Day 2 in Toronto... we will party!” he tweeted this morning.

6 a.m.: Premier Doug Ford is expected to provide another update in response to the pandemic at 8 a.m. at Queen’s Park. He will be joined by Health Minister Christine Elliott, Minister of Finance Rod Phillips and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.

5 a.m.: Shares rebounded in Europe and Asia on Tuesday after a brutal sell-off that gave the U.S. stock market its worst loss in over 30 years.

Monday’s 12 per cent drop for the S&P 500, its worst day in more than three decades, came as voices from Wall Street to the White House said the coronavirus may be dragging the economy into a recession.

4:00 a.m.: Finance Minister Bill Morneau is expected to soon announce the federal government’s plan to help workers affected by COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that the details of the spending package would arrive imminently, with measures rolling out in the coming days to buffer the economy from the sudden shock of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Overnight: Shoppers Drug Mart is setting aside an hour each day for seniors and people with disabilities to pick up the items they need to avoid to lines and panicked shoppers. On Twitter, the company said it would dedicate the first hour of shopping at all of its stores to “customers who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people living with disabilities.”

Overnight: WestJet says it is suspending all commercial operations for international and transborder flights for a 30-day period; Canadians who need help returning home will be able to apply for an emergency loan of up to $5,000 from the federal government; Dine-in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and theatres in Toronto are ordered to close in compliance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act after Monday’s press conference with Toronto’s medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa.

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