The recent outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
("Coronavirus") continues to spark concern worldwide,
which is sure to increase considering that the World Health
Organization ("WHO") classified the outbreak as a
"Public Health Emergency of International Concern" on
January 30, 2020. This characterization means the virus is a public
health risk to places beyond its origin country, and may require a
coordinated international response to control.
Although the gravest effects are still largely contained in
China, its country of origin, over 18 countries worldwide have
reported cases of Coronavirus, including four (4) confirmed cases
to date in Canada.1 Due to lessons learned and legal
mechanisms developed in relation to the 2003 SARS pandemic, there
is better coordination and planning of efforts at all levels of
government. Currently, the outbreak is being managed by provincial
and territorial emergency management and public health
agencies.