You’ve probably seen the headlines this week: COVID-19 cases are on the rise in several provinces across the country. “The time to act is now,” according to Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam — but is that message actually getting through to anyone? Rosie and Elamin point out we haven’t seen a substantial shift in messaging from governments recently, and the power of that “flatten the curve” motto from the spring has dwindled. On top of that, the spike in cases is now truly hitting home for federal politicians: both Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet are self-isolating after staffers (and in the case of Blanchet, his wife) tested positive for COVID-19. How might this impact next week’s big Parliamentary event — the throne speech? Elamin and Rosie also take a look at whether that big speech from the government could lay some groundwork for a universal basic income, which has emerged as a big priority for members of the Liberal caucus.