Ottawa Orders Review of Pandemic Warning System After Unit Shut Down Prior to Crisis

A medical worker takes a swab sample from a staff member from the AOC computer monitor factory to be tested for the COVID-19 virus in Wuhan, China, on May 15, 2020. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Canada’s Public Health Minister has ordered an independent review after media reports that the federal health agency’s early warning unit meant to flag potential pandemics was shut down just months before the COVID-19 pandemic crisis hit.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu ordered an outside review after an investigation by the Globe and Mail published in July found that the federal pandemic early warning system, known as the Global Public Health Intelligence Network, was shut down in May 2019.