Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is planning to invest $192 million to help create and produce vaccines for COVID-19.

The money will be distributed to a number of different companies and universities in the drive to find a way to stop the illness’s spread.

The federal government is also unveiling advertisements to hammer home the importance of social distancing. The move is in response to concerns some people are continuing to ignore calls for distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Trudeau says the government will take whatever steps are needed to get people to comply, including enforcement.

“Staying home is your way to serve,” Trudeau said.”If you’re doing your part, I want to say thank you. You’re saving lives.”

“Vaccines won’t be ready overnight. That will take months of testing.”

He said it’s frustrating for Canadians following medical advice and staying at home to see others going out and congregating.

The prime minister will be meeting with premiers later today to discuss the Emergencies Act. Thus far, he said, no province has asked the federal government to enact these emergency measures.

{More to come}

(The Canadian Press)