Canada sets up billion dollar Covid-19 response fund

Ottawa, March 11 Canada is setting up a (Canadian) $1bn ($728 mn) coronavirus response fund, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday, asserting his government would do everything to keep their people "healthy, safe and supported".

Canada has presently reported 93 cases of coronavirus and one death linked to the disease.

The fund is aimed at helping to deal with Covid-19's domestic impact and to support further research, including vaccine development.

"We are pulling out all the stops to make sure Canad stay healthy, safe and supported," Trudeau said, the BBC reported.

The fund comprises C$275m for research and C$500m for various provinces and territories to support critical health care system needs and mitigation efforts.

( With inputs from IANS )