There are now over 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, as of March 23.

Quebec has 628 cases, Ontario has 503, British Columbia has 472, Alberta has 259, Saskatchewan has 52, Nova Scotia has 41, Newfoundland has 24, Manitoba has 20, New Brunswick has 17, P.E.I has three, Yukon has two, and the Northwest Territories has one.

The number of cases has increased by over 1,000 from Friday.

There are over 1,000 cases of coronavirus in Canada https://t.co/rciE1r6J9t #Canada #CanadaCovid19 #CanadaLockdown #StayHomeCanada #CoronavirusCanada #COVIDCanada

— Freshdaily (@freshdaily) March 21, 2020

Quebec had the largest jump in COVID-19 cases from yesterday, reporting 402 new cases. However, the province recently decided to include testing by regional labs in their reports, which impacted the number.

As of today, Quebec and Ontario are the first provinces to order all non-essential businesses to close, effective Tuesday night. Only grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential businesses will remain open.

Quebec and Ontario premiers both announce today all non-essential businesses must close.

— Althia Raj (@althiaraj) March 23, 2020

Government officials are speaking with a sterner tone on Monday as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow in size.

Following his announcement of the shut down of all non-essential services, Premier of Ontario Doug Ford bluntly told Canadians, "You're self-isolating and that's that."

Mayor of Vancouver Kennedy Stewart announced that the city will fine citizens up to $50,000 for disobeying City orders. He said, "The time for asking nicely is over."

The time for asking nicely is over.

Just now, Council passed new enforcement measures including fines of up to $50,000 for anyone found in violation of a City Order.

This is serious.

Now is the time to: Shut down, Stay put, Save lives.#vanpoli #COVID19

— Kennedy Stewart (@kennedystewart) March 23, 2020

Speaking outside Rideau Cottage this morning, even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showed uncharacteristic severity.

"Enough is enough," he said. "Go home and stay home."

To the people who seem to think they’re invincible: You’re not. So go home and stay home. You’re not just putting yourself at risk, you’re putting others at risk too - nurses and doctors, grocery store workers, your grandparents, and so many others. #StayAtHomeSaveLives

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 23, 2020

Social distancing remains one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Canadian health officials urge citizens to stay home, conduct virtual meetings, and use food delivery services where possible.