Canada coronavirus deaths jump by 35%, Ottawa to spend C$2 billion on key equipment

Workers wave at passing cars honking their horns in support for Pinecrest Nursing Home after several residents died and dozens of staff were sickened by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, Canada March 30, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian death toll from the coronavirus outbreak jumped by 35% to 89 in less than a day, officials said on Tuesday, and Ottawa said it would spend C$2 billion (£1.14 billion) to help buy key medical supplies and equipment.

Chief public health officer Theresa Tam said that by 9 a.m. eastern time (1300 GMT) the total number of those diagnosed with the coronavirus had risen by 15% to 7,708.