Updated as of 2025-06-15 at 9 p.m.
My website is https://lisaparentcovid-19.ca
2025-06-15 9 p.m.
Healthy Albertans will have to pay for COVID-19 vaccine next fall
Albertans who are not immunocompromised or dependent on social programs will have to pay out-of-pocket for the COVID-19 vaccine this fall.
The Alberta government’s policy change was meant to cut down on waste and minimize costs, it said in a statement released late Friday afternoon.
Vaccines will only be available at public health clinics, the release added. Community pharmacies will no longer be administering the vaccine.
The estimated cost to procure a dose is $110, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
By Devika Desai
Published Jun 14, 2025 https://calgaryherald.com/news/alberta-covid-19-vaccine-payment
2023-12-18 6:30 p.m.
New Findings: COVID-19 Boosts ‘Zombie Cell’ Accumulation in the Brain
A recent study conducted by the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology has revealed a significant increase in the production of “zombie” or senescent cells due to COVID-19.
This is reported by News.com.au.
These cells, which naturally accumulate in the brain as people age, are known to cause tissue inflammation and degeneration, potentially leading to cognitive impairments like brain fog and memory loss.
The research team, led by Julio Aguado, made this discovery while examining the impact of COVID-19 on lab-grown synthetic brain tissue.
Importantly, the study also identified a method to reverse these effects.
The researchers tested four drugs – navitoclax, ABT-737, fisetin, and a combination of dasatinib plus quercetin (D+Q) – and found them effective in eliminating the zombie cells.
Dr. Aguado emphasized the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms involved. However, he noted that the study represents a significant advancement in understanding the complex relationship between viral infections, aging, and neurological health.
The findings suggest potential long-term applications of these drugs in treating persistent post-acute infection syndromes caused by viral infections like COVID-19.
Story by Henrik Rothen • 15h – New Findings: COVID-19 Boosts ‘Zombie Cell’ Accumulation in the Brain (msn.com)
2023-08-11 7:00 p.m.
Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5. EG.5
Covid-19 Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5. EG.5 is the latest sub-variant evident in Canada. It is expected to be the dominant strain for the time being. Currently cases are relatively low.
Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level, aligning with the risk associated with XBB.1.16 and the other currently circulating VOIs (see risk evaluation table below). While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date. While concurrent increases in the proportion of EG.5 and COVID-19 hospitalizations (lower than previous waves) have been observed in countries such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, no associations have been made between these hospitalizations and EG.5. However, due to its growth advantage and immune escape characteristics, EG.5 may cause a rise in case incidence and become dominant in some countries or even globally.
World Health Organization EG.5 Initial Risk Evaluation, 9 August 2023 – https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/09082023eg.5_ire_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2aa2daee_3
2023-02-17 10:00 p.m.
Norovirus: How to deal with the stomach bug as cases rise across Canada
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INFECTION?
The incubation period for norovirus is between 12 and 48 hours, but symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can appear as soon as 12 hours after exposure.
“Symptoms can start rather abruptly in the sense that people will have pretty profound nausea and vomiting,” Bogoch said. “Diarrhea can be a part of that but it is very frequently significant nausea and vomiting, and people will feel really unwell for about a day or two before symptoms start to abate.”
The severity of symptoms will vary from person to person, and some people infected with norovirus may be asymptomatic. Older adults, people with compromised immune systems and young children tend to experience the most severe symptoms.
Symptoms usually start to fade after 24 to 36 hours, but Bogoch warned people infected with norovirus can shed the virus in their stool for “days or even weeks” after they’ve recovered.
“And that’s why it’s challenging to get rid of,” he said.
Megan DeLaire CTVNews.ca Writer Updated Feb. 17, 2023 2:30 p.m. EST Published Feb. 16, 2023 6:47 p.m. EST – https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/norovirus-how-to-deal-with-the-stomach-bug-as-cases-rise-across-canada-1.6277414
2022-09-01 5:00 p.m.
Health Canada approves Moderna’s Omicron booster vaccine
OTTAWA – Health Canada has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna that targets both the original strain of the novel coronavirus and the specific Omicron variant.
The new shots approved by Health Canada, called bivalent vaccines, are designed to recognize specific mutations in the spike protein of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant.
“While the vaccine was designed to more specifically target the Omicron BA.1 subvariant, we know that this vaccine also generates a good immune response against Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants that have more recently emerged,” Sharma said.
By Laura OsmanThe Canadian PressThu., Sept. 1, 2022timer4 min. read – https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/09/01/duclos-to-make-vaccine-announcement-as-health-canada-reviews-omicron-booster.html
Ontario to expand COVID-19 booster eligibility to children aged 5 to 11 Thursday
Ontario is expanding COVID-19 booster shot eligibility to children aged five and up starting on Thursday, ahead of students returning back to school next week.
Kerrisa Wilson, CP24 Web Content Writer
@kerrisawilson
Published Wednesday, August 31, 2022 9:16AM EDT
Last Updated Wednesday, August 31, 2022 2:39PM EDT – https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-to-expand-covid-19-booster-eligibility-to-children-aged-5-to-11-thursday-1.6049701
Ontario’s top doctor drops COVID-19 isolation requirements, expands booster eligibility to kids 5 to 11
Ontario is dropping the mandatory five-day isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19, the province’s top doctor announced Wednesday.
Vanessa Balintec · CBC News · Posted: Aug 31, 2022 10:31 AM ET | Last Updated: August 31 – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/kieran-moore-flu-season-covid-2022-1.6567840
2022-07-14 6:00 p.m.
Mandatory random COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated air travellers resuming next week
The federal government says it will resume mandatory random COVID-19 testing of international travellers arriving at four major airports next week.
Ottawa suspended random testing for fully vaccinated travellers last month after airport authorities urged the government to drop the program, saying it was causing long delays at airports. Testing remained in place for those not considered fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated travellers will once again be subject to mandatory testing, although the government is moving the testing out of airports to nearby off-site locations, such as pharmacies. Travellers also can book a virtual self-swab appointment.
Darren Major · CBC News · Posted: Jul 14, 2022 9:17 AM ET | Last Updated: 2 hours ago – https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mandatory-random-testing-resumes-airports-1.6520257
2022-06-09 3:00 p.m.
Seventh COVID wave possible this fall, Tam tells MPs: ‘The pandemic is not over’
OTTAWA – Canada’s chief public officer stressed to MPs Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, warning that a seventh wave this fall is a real threat.
“The pandemic is not over,” Dr. Theresa Tam told MPs, at the Commons health committee. “We think that it is very likely that we will get some more viral activity in the future, and we can’t predict exactly how big the next wave is, but I think we need to prepare.”
National Post – Ryan Tumilty
Publishing date:
Jun 08, 2022 • 19 hours ago • 2 minute read – Seventh COVID wave possible this fall, Tam tells MPs: ‘The pandemic is not over’ | National Post
2022-06-08 4:00 p.m.
Ontario Gov’t Newsroom – Most Masking Requirements to be Lifted on June 11
TORONTO — Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement on the lifting of remaining provincial masking requirements:
“With high vaccination rates and Ontario’s COVID-19 situation continuing to improve, most of the province’s remaining provincial masking requirements, including on public transit, will expire as of 12:00 a.m. on June 11, 2022.
To continue providing an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable, masks will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes. Masking is recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes.
On June 11, 2022, remaining Directives will also be revoked and replaced with Ministry of Health guidance for health care workers and organizations. This includes guidance on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other health care settings.
While masking requirements are expiring, organizations may implement their own policies. Ontarians should continue to wear a mask if they feel it is right for them, are at high risk for severe illness, recovering from COVID-19, have symptoms of the virus or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
Thanks to the efforts of all Ontarians following public health measures and getting vaccinated we have made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. However, I want to remind Ontarians to stay home when sick and, most importantly, get vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Staying up to date with vaccination is the best protection against severe outcomes and will help us maintain the progress we have made.
The province will continue to monitor for any significant changes, including any new variants of concern, to ensure we are adapting our response to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians.”
Ontario Newsroom June 8, 2022 – Most Masking Requirements to be Lifted on June 11 | Ontario Newsroom
2022-05-28 12:00 p.m.
WHO issues guideline on monoclonal antibodies for severe COVID-19
Casirivimab and imdevimab are two laboratory-made proteins, similar to human antibodies, that target the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, blocking its attachment and entry into the human cell.
In an interview with Medical News Today (MNT), Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, explained: “Once people are infected, […] these antibodies can be given […] by intravenous infusion, and they will latch onto the virus, preventing it, thereby, from infecting more of our cells. If the virus cannot do that, it cannot evolve into creating more serious disease; in other words, the good guys cut the bad guys off at the pass.”
Written by Lori Uildriks PharmD, BCPS, BCGP on September 30, 2021 — Fact checked by Alexandra Sanfins, Ph.D. – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/who-issues-guideline-on-monoclonal-antibodies-for-severe-covid-19
2022-05-17 12:00 p.m.
U.S. FDA approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster vaccine for kids ages 5-11
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Tuesday single booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11.
Children within that age bracket will be able to get a booster dose at least five months after their first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine after the FDA amended its emergency use authorization for it.
“While it has largely been the case that COVID-19 tends to be less severe in children than adults, the omicron wave has seen more kids getting sick with the disease and being hospitalized, and children may also experience longer term effects, even following initially mild disease,” FDA commissioner Robert M. Califf said in a statement.
“The FDA is authorizing the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age to provide continued protection against COVID-19.”
By Eric Stober Global News
Posted May 17, 2022 11:03 am – https://globalnews.ca/news/8841466/us-fda-pfizer-covid-19-booster-kids/
2022-05-09 1:00 p.m.
Toronto ends COVID-19 emergency declaration after 777 days
Toronto Mayor John Tory has announced the end of the city of Toronto’s COVID-19 emergency declaration, which was first imposed on March 23, 2020.
The city had been under an emergency declaration for 777 days.
“There is no doubt that our collective efforts have been successful in getting us to a better place,” said Tory at a COVID-19 briefing Monday morning with Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s medical officer of health.
“The state of emergency gave us flexibility with respect to the public servants and being able to put them where they were needed the most,” said Tory, noting some 1,700 city workers were redeployed to effectively respond to the pandemic. https://misc.thestar.com/interactivegraphic/2020/coronavirus-dashboard/vaccine-tracker/justontario.html
By Joshua Chong Staff Reporter Mon., May 9, 2022 timer2 min. read update Article was updated 1 hr ago – https://www.thespec.com/ts/news/gta/2022/05/09/toronto-ends-covid-19-emergency-declaration-after-777-days.html
2022-04-29 1:00 p.m.
Moderna or Pfizer: Which vaccine is a better booster? Experts weigh in
Both mRNA vaccines offer significant protection against breakthrough infections and hospitalizations, but new research from data collected before Omicron hit shows Moderna’s vaccine may offer slightly better protection compared to Pfizer.
A study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) last week shows adults who received two doses of the Moderna vaccine had a lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The research used data from March to August of last year when Delta was the dominant variant.
A report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that vaccine effectiveness against Omicron hospitalization fell to just 57 per cent in people who were more than six months out from a second shot, but grew to 90 per cent with a booster.
CBC News · Posted: Jan 31, 2022 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: January 31 – Moderna or Pfizer: Which vaccine is a better booster? Experts weigh in | CBC Radio
Unusually late flu season hits Canada
Experts believe lifting public health restrictions may be to blame for an uptick in flu cases across the country, adding pressure to hospitals already under strain from the pandemic’s sixth wave.
CBC 16 hours ago
News
Duration 2:02 – Unusually late flu season hits Canada | CBC.ca
2022-04-27 1:00 p.m.
Fauci: US ‘out of the pandemic phase’
President Biden’s chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci on Tuesday said that the United States has moved “out of the pandemic phase” with COVID-19.
Fauci, however, warned that the U.S. was not going to “eradicate” the virus and said that globally the pandemic is “ongoing.”
“We’re not going to eradicate this virus,” Fauci said. “If we can keep that [viral] level low, and intermittently vaccinate people — and I don’t know how often that would have to be, Judy, that might be every year, that might be longer — in order to keep that level low.”
“Right now, we are not in the pandemic phase in this country. Pandemic means a wide spread throughout the world infection that spreads rapidly among people,” Fauci said.
The Hill Maureen Breslin – 3h ago – Fauci: US ‘out of the pandemic phase’ (msn.com)
2022-04-25 1:00 p.m.
Canada’s Travel Restrictions Have Changed & Now It’s Easier To Travel With Unvaccinated Kids
Following an update to Canada’s travel restrictions, it’s now easier for families with unvaccinated children to enter the country without COVID-19 testing or a quarantine plan.
Effective Monday, April 25, children aged between 5 and 11 who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test to met pre-entry requirements, provided they are travelling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.
That’s not all. As of the same day, kids aged between 5 and 11 (as well as accompanying fully vaccinated adults) will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan when entering Canada.
Canada’s Travel Restrictions Have Changed & Now It’s Easier To Travel With Unvaccinated Kids – Narcity
Go to link for the rest of the story…
2022-04-22 1:00 p.m.
COVID-19 virus may be detected in intestinal tract for months after infection
COVID-19 is mainly known as a respiratory ailment, but a new study suggests the coronavirus can infect your intestinal tract for weeks and months after you’ve cleared the bug from your lungs.
In the study about 1 out of 7 COVID-19 patients continued to shed the virus’ genetic remnants in their feces at least four months after their initial diagnosis, long after they’ve stopped shedding the virus from their respiratory tract, researchers found.
UPI News – Dennis Thompson, HealthDay News – Tuesday – COVID-19 virus may be detected in intestinal tract for months after infection (msn.com)
2022-04-11 2:00 p.m.
COVID: Ontario to expand anti-viral treatment eligibility, PCR testing
One can read the whole story at the link at the end of this story.
The Ontario government says it is expanding access to PCR testing for COVID-19, and will be expanding eligibility for anti-viral treatments as the province continues to grapple with the sixth wave of the pandemic.
In a press release Monday, the province’s Ministry of Health said “effective immediately,” more “high-risk” groups will be eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid.
The province said the “high-risk” groups include those 18 and older who are immunocompromised, those 70 and older, those 60 and older with fewer than three COVID-19 vaccine doses and those 18 and older with fewer than three vaccines and at least one risk condition such as a chronic medical condition.
Those looking to be assessed can do so by visiting a clinical assessment centre or by contacting their doctor.
By Hannah Jackson Global News
Posted April 11, 2022 7:49 am
Updated April 11, 2022 1:31 pm – (1) COVID: Ontario to expand anti-viral treatment eligibility, PCR testing | Globalnews.ca
Vaccinated Canadians can have COVID-19 symptoms despite testing negative. Here’s why
“All tests have an ability to show a false positive and a false negative,” said Tim Sly, an epidemiologist and professor emeritus in the School of Public Health at Ryerson University.
“There’s a period of around two days before the rapid test begins to pick up the antigen … because remember, it’s looking for the protein and there’s got to be enough of the protein there,” he added.
By Aya Al-Hakim Global News
Posted April 8, 2022 7:00 am
Updated April 8, 2022 6:17 pm – Vaccinated Canadians can have COVID-19 symptoms despite testing negative. Here’s why – National | Globalnews.ca
2022-04-10 6:00 p.m.
Thousands of new viruses discovered in the ocean
Read the whole story at the link at the bottom of the article snapshot.
Overall, they identified about 5,500 new RNA virus species that fell into the five existing phyla, as well as the five newly proposed phyla, which the researchers named Taraviricota, Pomiviricota, Paraxenoviricota, Wamoviricota and Arctiviricota.
Virus species in the Taraviricota phylum were particularly abundant in temperate and tropical waters, while viruses in the Arctiviricota phylum are abundant in the Arctic Ocean, the researchers wrote in The Conversation.
Understanding how the RdRp gene diverged over time could lead to a better understanding of how early life evolved on Earth, the authors said.
“RdRp is supposed to be one of the most ancient genes — it existed before there was a need for DNA,” study co-first author Ahmed Zayed, a research scientist in microbiology at Ohio State, said in the statement. “So we’re not just tracing the origins of viruses, but also tracing the origins of life.”
Live Science – By Rachael Rettner published about 9 hours ago – Thousands of new viruses discovered in world’s oceans | Live Science
2022-04-03 12:00 p.m.
Omicron subvariant BA.2 now the dominant variant in the US, estimates show
“Omicron is sweeping the globe,” WHO technical director Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove reported last week. “Whether or not we will see BA.2 sweep the world — we’re seeing that happen right now. This is not a theoretical. Omicron is a highly transmissible variant of concern. BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1, and what we are starting to see in some regions of the world, and in some countries, [is] an uptick in cases again.”
Scientists believe BA.2 is more transmissible than the original omicron strain, BA.1, though at this time, it is not believed to cause more severe disease.
Initial estimates show that BA.2’s transmissibility may range between 30% and 80%, and preliminary research suggests that if you were recently infected with the original omicron strain, BA.1, it is rare to get reinfected with BA.2.
ByArielle Mitropoulos
March 29, 2022, 1:34 PM
• 5 min read – Omicron subvariant BA.2 now the dominant variant in the US, estimates show – ABC News (go.com)
2022-04-02 12:00 p.m.
Ontario has no plans to reintroduce mask mandates even as 6th wave of COVID-19 underway
The Ontario government has no plans to reintroduce mandatory masking or pause its reopening plans, even as a sixth wave of COVID-19 is underway in the province, Minister of Health Christine Elliott says.
Elliott spoke to reporters at a news conference in Toronto Thursday where she and other provincial officials announced new funding for North York General Hospital.
The minister was asked if there is a threshold of hospitalizations or ICU admissions at which the government might reintroduce restrictions such as masking or hold off on the further reopening at the end of April.
“At this point it doesn’t appear necessary that we need to take any further precautions,” Elliott said. But she said the province is relying on the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
“There’s really no surprise here,” she said, when asked about the increasing number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations, saying it was expected that key indicators would rise as restrictions were lifted.
“We need to get on with our lives and learn to live with COVID as it still exists with us,” she said.
CBC News · Posted: Mar 31, 2022 10:48 AM ET | Last Updated: March 31 – Ontario has no plans to reintroduce mask mandates even as 6th wave of COVID-19 underway | CBC News
COVID-19 will be with us for ‘foreseeable future’ PHAC says, warning of future waves
COVID-19 will be a reality for the “foreseeable future,” Canada’s top doctors are warning as the country is facing yet another resurgence of the virus.
Global News By Rachel Gilmore Global News
Posted April 1, 2022 1:36 pm
Updated April 1, 2022 2:46 pm – COVID-19 will be with us for ‘foreseeable future’ PHAC says, warning of future waves – National | Globalnews.ca
2022-04-01 12:00 p.m.
WHO: Pfizer vaccine potentially linked to hearing loss
The World Health Organization has published a report citing extremely rare instances of hearing loss and other auditory issues following injection of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The health agency was notified that tinnitus, a hearing problem that causes ear ringing, may be associated with the vaccines.
Gregory Poland, MD, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group in Rochester, Minnesota, says he developed tinnitus after receiving his second dose of the vaccine.
In an interview with MedPage Today , he recounts nearly veering out of his lane driving back from the hospital after receiving his second dose.
“It was like someone suddenly blew a dog whistle in my ear,” Poland told the medical journal. “It has been pretty much unrelenting.”
Poland has been experiencing what he describes as life-altering tinnitus.
He said of his own symptoms that he “can only begin to estimate the number of times I just want to scream because I can’t get rid of the noise or how many hours of sleep I’ve lost,” he said. The noise he hears is “particularly loud at night when there are no masking sounds.”
As a vaccinologist, he still believes in the importance of getting jabbed despite his side-effect. Fearing the possibility of contracting COVID and spreading it to his patients, he opted to receive a booster.
However individuals across the country and around the world have shared with him their experience post-vaccine, saying they too have developed tinnitus after COVID vaccination.
National Post Lynn Chaya
Publishing date:
Mar 31, 2022 • 20 hours ago • 3 minute read – WHO: Pfizer vaccine potentially linked to hearing loss | National Post
Government of Canada will remove pre-entry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on April 1
As of today April 1 Canada will no longer require testing for entry into Canada for fully vaccinated travellers as outlined in the News release from March 17, 2022.
News release
Today, the Government of Canada announced that effective April 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM EDT, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water. Fully vaccinated travellers seeking to arrive in Canada before April 1, 2022, must still have a valid pre-entry test.
As a reminder, travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, may need to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival if selected for mandatory random testing. Travellers selected for mandatory random testing are not required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
For partially or unvaccinated travelers who are currently allowed to travel to Canada, pre-entry testing requirements are not changing. Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers 5 years of age or older who do not qualify as fully vaccinated must continue to provide proof of an accepted type of pre-entry COVID-19 test result:
– a valid, negative antigen test, administered or observed by an accredited lab or testing provider, taken outside of Canada no more than one day before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or
– a valid negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or
– a previous positive molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry. It is important to note that positive antigen test results will not be accepted.
All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) before their arrival in Canada. Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status. Travellers taking a cruise or a plane must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before boarding.
March 17, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada – Government of Canada will remove pre-entry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on April 1 – Canada.ca
2022-03-29 12:00 p.m.
Testing positive weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis: What it means for travel
“If you become sick and you test positive, it’s probably a legitimate result says that you’ve got COVID and you’re infected with the virus,” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Gerald Evans.
“The problem is that, in some people, that PCR test can actually continue to be positive for quite a long period.”
The culprit behind Ferré’s positive PCR test could have been something called the RNA molecule. It’s a “very sticky” molecule, according to Evans, and this “tricky, sticky molecule” can hide out in sneaky spots like your tonsils and throat — only to reappear when a PCR test carefully combs through your sample for any hint of COVID-19.
By Rachel Gilmore Global News
Posted March 29, 2022 7:00 am
Updated March 28, 2022 5:02 pm – Testing positive weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis: What it means for travel – National | Globalnews.ca
Pandemic vaccine passports in Canada: A brief history and potential future
The simple idea of tracking and requiring proof of vaccination created some of the most disruptive protests in Canadian history, and the declaration of a national emergency.
How did this happen? It’s complicated.
It’s easy to forget that, at the outset of the pandemic, the initial lockdowns were extremely harsh and had a severe impact on economies and people’s lives. In attempts to mitigate these effects while protecting the health of populations, the idea of natural immunity passports was considered.
There were many scientific questions about this approach, including how to determine if someone was infected and how long immunity would last. And there were also important ethical questions to consider, such as creating incentives to be infected and creating a two-tier society.
This idea didn’t move forward for several reasons, not the least of which was because so few people had evidence of infection, for this approach to have any value.
Future policy
So where do we go from here? I think we will end on a middle ground for a potentially endemic virus. This could mean a policy already in use for health-care workers and the influenza vaccine: You don’t neccesarily have to be vaccinated, but if there are cases at work or at school, you and your child will be asked to stay home for your own protection. This may vary based on the risk to your demographic. Proof of previous infection may be also considered in these policies.
Vaccine passports did work. They increased vaccination rates, saved countless lives and reduced the duration of lockdowns, preserving parts of the economy.
But, as we have seen, these policies are highly divisive and are impacted by the changing science of the pandemic, which will require more targeted and adaptable approaches moving forward. And importantly, the messaging around these policies will need to change from penalizing the sub-optimally vaccinated to protecting them.
Kumanan Wilson, Professor of Medicine, physician, scientist, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa – Thursday – Pandemic vaccine passports in Canada: A brief history and potential future (msn.com)
2022-03-25 12:00 p.m.
Canada to drop testing requirement at border for fully vaccinated travellers
Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to provide a negative COVID-19 test when attempting to cross the border into Canada after the federal government announced it would pull negative-testing requirements as of April 1.
The new rules are for fully vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated travellers must still provide proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test administered by a licensed professional within 72 hours of arrival at the border. That applies to all travellers aged 5 and older.
Canada is removing the testing requirements at airports, train stations and land border crossings. The ministers of health, transport and tourism held a press conference Thursday morning to announce the changes to border measures.
Random testing may still be done in airports, but travellers will no longer have to quarantine while awaiting those results.
Health minister Jean-Yves Duclos said as vaccination levels continue to rise, the government will consider further relaxation of border requirements along the way.
“Adjustments to Canada’s border measures are made possible by a number of factors, including Canada’s high vaccination rate, the increasing availability and use of rapid tests to detect infection, decreasing hospitalizations and growing domestic availability of treatments for COVID-19. As vaccination levels and health-care system capacity improve, we will continue to consider further easing of measures at the borders. and when to adjust those measures, to keep the people in Canada safe,” he said.
All travelers are still required to submit their mandatory information on the ArriveCAN prior to arrival. Travellers who arrive with an incomplete ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status.
The Canadian Press – Canada to drop testing requirement at border for fully vaccinated travellers (msn.com)
2022-03-24 12:00 p.m.
Coronavirus variants: Facts about omicron, delta and other COVID-19 mutants
You may want to read the whole article if you wish to know about each variant and it’s potential.
Multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing the disease COVID-19, have emerged across the globe. At the moment, two lineages of the omicron variant and the delta variant are the only variants with significant global circulation, with omicron accounting for the vast majority of recent COVID-19 cases, according to a report from the World Health Organization released March 15, 2022. Omicron, also called B.1.1.529, was first reported in November 2021 in Botswana and South Africa, and now accounts for over 99% of coronavirus genome sequences from recent COVID-19 cases in the global database GISAID, according to the WHO report.
Live Science Rachael Rettner 20 hrs ago – Coronavirus variants: Facts about omicron, delta and other COVID-19 mutants (msn.com)
2022-03-23 12:00 p.m.
Psychologist provides guidance as mask mandates
Please click link for interview video.
As mask mandates have started to lift in most of Canada, leaving some feeling anxious. Psychologist Dr. Maneet Bhatia quells your concerns and speaks on how to ensure masking or not masking doesn’t compromise your relationships.
Global News THE MORNING SHOW
March 22 2022 10:39am – Psychologist provides guidance as mask mandates | Watch News Videos Online (globalnews.ca)
Impact of Changing Policies on Travel Restrictions
This is going to be a problem going forward with the COVID-19 passport requirement being lifted by Provinces across the country. I will offer this though to those like the person referenced in the CBC story; with the approval of two new vaccines like Medicago those who did not want the genetic based vaccines now have an alternative in these two mRNA based vaccines. Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine (Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine – Canada.ca) is a protein based vaccine and Medicago Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine (Medicago Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine – Canada.ca) plant based virus-like particle.
For those simply hesitant to get the other mRNA oriented vaccines there are now two clear alternatives.
With that said it is now incumbent on the governments to recognize these two new alternatives and change their programs to facilitate people who have gotten them in place of the mRNA versions.
For those who simply refuse any vaccine the road may be a little more rocky knowing the general sentiment of those in charge.
With so few now unvaccinated in the country and with the new knowledge that someone previously infected having antibody protections against the virus it is high time governments change their direction regarding vaccinated vs unvaccinated. Especially with statistics like those in Ontario demonstrating on an ongoing basis that there in fact are more vaccinated in hospitals than unvaccinated.
COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, but unvaccinated Canadians still can’t board planes or trains
Because she’s unvaccinated against COVID-19, Tamika McIntosh of Brampton, Ont., wasn’t allowed to board a plane to fly to Jamaica last month to attend her grandfather’s funeral.
Now, McIntosh combs the news daily for any indication when Canada might lift its vaccine mandate for travellers so she can finally go to Jamaica and pay her last respects.
“You don’t get the closure when you don’t get to physically be there to say goodbye,” said McIntosh. “Until I physically get to go to his grave site and spend some time there, that void will always be open.”
Canada’s vaccine mandate — which took effect in November 2021 to boost vaccination rates — prevents unvaccinated Canadians from boarding a commercial plane or train in Canada to both domestic and international destinations. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are fast disappearing, some unvaccinated Canadians question why the federal government still maintains the mandate.
“I don’t think it’s fair,” said McIntosh. “I don’t have mobility rights. I’m still stuck in a country and I can’t leave.”
Although COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada have been deemed safe and effective by Health Canada and other regulators, McIntosh still has reservations about getting the shot.
“I just feel like I have the right to choose,” she said.
CBC News Sophia Harris 7 hrs ago – COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, but unvaccinated Canadians still can’t board planes or trains (msn.com)
2022-03-21 12:00 p.m.
Ontario COVID-19 mask mandate lifts for most settings
Ontario’s COVID-19 mask mandate has lifted for most settings in the province.
As of Monday, individuals are no longer required by the province to wear a mask, except for in certain settings including public transit, long-term care and retirement homes, congregate care and living facilities, homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, other health-care settings, shelters, and jails.
Masking requirements have also been lifted in schools, as has cohorting.
Individuals can still wear a mask if they choose to.
Individuals can still wear a mask if they choose to.
“Thanks to your hard work, sacrifice and willingness to rise to the occasion, Ontario is now at a place where we can safely remove the mask mandate in most settings,” Ford’s tweet continued. “Please be kind, safe & cautious.”
By Ryan Rocca Global News
Posted March 21, 2022 12:01 am
Updated March 21, 2022 12:03 pm – Ontario COVID-19 mask mandate lifts for most settings | Globalnews.ca
Update from 9 News in Australia
Hong Kong relaxes pandemic flight curbs amid ‘fading’ tolerance for strict COVID policies
HONG KONG — Hong Kong has announced significant changes to its strict COVID-19 border measures, which have been among the most stringent in the world.
A flight ban from nine countries — including the United States and the United Kingdom — will be scrapped from April 1.
“This is no longer necessary,” Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said at a press conference on Monday, “because the COVID-19 situation in these countries is no worse than in Hong Kong and many travelers coming here do not have symptoms.”
ABC News By Britt Clennett
21 March 2022, 09:59
• 7 min read – Hong Kong relaxes pandemic flight curbs amid ‘fading’ tolerance for strict COVID policies – ABC News (go.com)
2022-03-20 12:00 p.m.
Just a note prior to posting todays breaking news. Today is the first day of spring and tomorrow Ontario is set to remove the mask mandate for its citizens. While I have never believed the masks actually did anything to stop Covid-19 as like the flu or a cold it spreads through the hands touching the face and eyes are connected to the sinus canals meaning you are exposed even with a mask, as we move to relax measures in Ontario, I will for now wear a mask in high congregate settings like malls.
2 years into COVID-19 pandemic, world cautiously looks to move forward
Two years after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, changing the world overnight, relief and hope are creeping back in after a long, dark period of loss, fear and deep uncertainty about the future.
By Gillian Flaccus, Christopher Weber And Terry Tang The Associated Press
Posted March 11, 2022 11:07 pm – 2 years into COVID-19 pandemic, world cautiously looks to move forward – National | Globalnews.ca
Canada won’t necessarily see another COVID-19 wave, experts say
After nearly a month of decline, COVID-19 infections around the world have started to creep up again. New cases have shot up by eight per cent globally compared to the previous week, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, experts are not sure Canada will see another wave even with loosened public health measures.
By Aya Al-Hakim Global News
Posted March 17, 2022 3:01 pm
Updated March 17, 2022 5:47 pm – Canada won’t necessarily see another COVID-19 wave, experts say – National | Globalnews.ca
Fourth vaccine offers little protection against COVID-19 – study
The fourth coronavirus vaccine has shown to offer little protection against the coronavirus, a new study released by Sheba Medical Center has shown.
The study, published by The New England Journal of Medicine, examines the efficacy of the fourth coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna. The interim results released show that the vaccine offers little to no protection against contracting the virus when compared to young and healthy individuals vaccinated with three doses.
However, the vaccine did prove to provide moderate protection against symptomatic infection among young and healthy individuals in comparison to those inoculated three times.
“Among the approximate 600 participants, 270 of whom received either a fourth dose of the Pfizer vaccine or Moderna vaccine, we found no differences, both in terms of IgG antibody levels and in terms of neutralizing antibody levels, which reached a level similar to that measured a month after the third dose was administered,” said Prof. Gili Regev-Yochay, director of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit at Sheba Medical Center and head researcher of the study.
She also noted that in terms of the effectiveness of the fourth vaccine against infection – both of Pfizer and Moderna – they found that the infection rates among vaccinated individuals were only slightly lower than those in the control group.
The Jerusalem Post – By SHIRA SILKOFF
Published: MARCH 17, 2022 00:00
Updated: MARCH 17, 2022 15:58 – Fourth vaccine offers little protection against COVID-19 – study – The Jerusalem Post (jpost.com)
2022-03-18 12:00 p.m.
Canada’s travel rules just changed. What’s new, and what’s the same?
Canada just updated its travel rules again yet, this time quashing the COVID-19 pre-arrival testing requirement for vaccinated international travellers.
Travellers can still be randomly selected for a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival into Canada, but they won’t need to show proof of a negative test beginning April 1.
By Rachel Gilmore Global News
Posted March 17, 2022 5:01 pm
Updated March 18, 2022 10:46 am – Canada’s travel rules just changed. What’s new, and what’s the same? – National | Globalnews.ca
2022-03-14 12:00 p.m.
Everybody (except Ottawa) is declaring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic
Except according to Ottawa. Even as each week yields the end of another provincial COVID mandate, the federal government is continuing to hold fast to virtually every restriction it has imposed over the course of the now two-year pandemic.
Vaccinated travellers must still arrange a supervised antigen test (home rapid tests aren’t allowed), and they may be randomly selected for another test at the border. Unvaccinated travellers, meanwhile, are still required to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine, even if they provide a negative test result and aren’t showing symptoms.
“Many countries have recognized the time to remove COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers. To set the stage for a complete recovery, Canada needs to join jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and Switzerland in removing restrictions that are no longer needed,” Lindsay Broadhead, a spokesperson for the Toronto Region Board of Trade, told a Friday press conference.
Federal COVID mandates are indeed making Canada an outlier among its G7 peers, particularly at the border.
The U.K. has no testing requirement on vaccinated travellers entering its borders, and doesn’t require quarantine for unvaccinated travellers. France has similarly dropped testing requirements on vaccinated travellers, and even on unvaccinated travellers if they come from a country with low COVID spread (a list that currently includes Canada).
In lieu of a negative COVID test, U.S. border authorities will currently accept proof of “recovery of COVID-19.” Canada does not have anything similar, and will still require two doses of vaccine even for a traveller who has obtained natural immunity from a COVID-19 infection.
National Post Tristin Hopper
Publishing date:
Mar 14, 2022 • 5 hours ago – https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/everybody-except-ottawa-is-declaring-an-end-to-the-covid-19-pandemic
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies in Ontario hospitals, LTC homes, schools end today
The broad legal requirement for places such as schools, long-term care homes and hospitals in Ontario to maintain mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies expires on Monday.
As part of the first step in the province exiting most COVID-19 measures in the next 45 days, a raft of requirements for schools, congregate care settings and hospitals to have COVID-19 vaccination policies and mandatory testing for unvaccinated staff end today.
All facilities can retain their own policy if they choose to do so.
Chris Herhalt, CP24 Web Content Writer
@_Herhalt
Published Monday, March 14, 2022 5:53AM EDT
Last Updated Monday, March 14, 2022 5:53AM EDT – https://www.cp24.com/news/mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-policies-in-ontario-hospitals-ltc-homes-schools-end-today-1.5818005
2022-03-13 12:00 p.m.
COVID-19: Angus Reid study suggests pandemic has pulled Canadians apart
Out of the 2,550 people who participated in the survey, two-thirds say the level of compassion demonstrated by Canadians for one another has weakened.
However, according to the study, women between the ages of 18 and 55 were hit the hardest — the main reason being working from home and having to juggle that with taking care of children in some instances.
By Moises Canales-Lavigne & Emily-May Simmonds Global News
Posted March 11, 2022 8:30 pm
Updated March 12, 2022 8:47 pm – https://globalnews.ca/news/8677589/angus-reid-covid-study-sfl/
People with immunity to original COVID-19 strain likely have some protection against Omicron: study
A new study has found that those who gained immunity to the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, likely have some protection against the Omicron variant.
Brooklyn NeustaeterCTVNews.ca Writer
@bneustaeter Contact
Published Saturday, March 12, 2022 12:44PM EST – https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/people-with-immunity-to-original-covid-19-strain-likely-have-some-protection-against-omicron-study-1.5816872?presentid=webnews&ocid=msedgntp
2022-03-12 12:00 p.m.
Full List of Covid-19 Restrictions to be lifted in Ontario
The full list of COVID-19 restrictions that will be lifted in Ontario
The Ontario government has unveiled its timeline for lifting all remaining COVID-19 restrictions and policies. The move comes two years into a pandemic that has resulted in the death of more than 12,000 Ontarians and has dramatically upended life in the province.
Here are the highlights:
March 14 – Mandatory vaccination policies end
– The mandatory vaccination policy for employees in long-term care homes is lifted.
– A directive requiring that unvaccinated workers in hospitals and other high-risk healthcare settings partake in a regular rapid testing program is lifted.
– Letters of instruction to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility are revoked. This will mean that those sectors will no longer be required to have vaccination policies that, at a minimum, require unvaccinated workers to partake in an educational course on the benefits of vaccination
March 21 – Most mask requirements lifted
– Masking requirements will be removed in most settings, except public transit, long-term care and retirement homes, health-care settings, congregate care settings, shelters and jails.
– Remaining measures in schools, including cohorting ands on-site symptom screening, are removed.
– Remaining regulatory requirements for businesses are removed, including passive screening and the need to have a COVID-19 safety plan.
March 28 – Reopening Ontario Act expires
– The Reopening Ontario Act expires but the remaining orders associated with the act are extended for 30 days
April 27 – All remaining mask requirements are lifted
– Mask requirements are removed in all remaining settings
– All remaining orders under the Reopening Ontario Act expire
– Remaining health-care directives are lifted, including one legally requiring that health-care workers interacting with suspected COVID-19 patients wear a well-fitted N95 mask. The Ministry of Health will, however, still direct health-care workers to wear personal protective equipment, likely still including N95 masks.
CP24.com staff – Published Wednesday, March 9, 2022 11:05AM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, March 9, 2022 1:40PM EST – https://www.cp24.com/news/the-full-list-of-covid-19-restrictions-that-will-be-lifted-in-ontario-1.5812172
2022-03-01 8:00 a.m.
Lift Mask Mandates after March Break in Ontario
According to Premier Doug Ford, once the Chief Medical Officer of Health gives the word mask mandates in Ontario will be lifted possibly as soon as after March break.
‘What I’m hearing over the next few weeks, maybe after March Break when kids get back, but we’ll see. I don’t want to set a date,’ Doug Ford said
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press Publishing date: Feb 28, 2022 • 8 hours ago – ‘Just a little bit longer’: End of mask mandates in Ontario ‘not far away’, premier says | National Post
Often hated Vaccine Passports removed by Province
After more than five months, the Ontario government will no longer bar unvaccinated people from higher-risk indoor public spaces such as bars, restaurants, gyms and event venues, but is allowing individual businesses to stick with the program if they choose.
The provincial proof-of-vaccination requirement is coming off along with the last remaining crowd capacity limits in all indoor public settings.
COVID vaccine passports are done as of Tuesday. Sort of | The Londoner
2022-02-17 12:00 p.m.
Canada approves Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults
“Novavax’s recombinant protein vaccine, Nuxavoxid, uses a more established technology than mRNA, the novel method behind the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines – from Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech and Moderna (MRNA.O).
Some experts have voiced hopes that Novavax’s product could convince as-yet unvaccinated people who are sceptical about the novel mRNA technology to get a shot.
On Wednesday, Novavax Chief Commercial Officer John Trizzino said there is still significant demand for vaccination across the globe, especially in light of Omicron, the threat of more variants and a high percentage of unvaccinated people who need primary vaccination.”
“We also know that many of the booster programs that are in process right now will drive demand for our product.”
Reuters
February 17, 2022 11:30 AM EST
Canada approves Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine for adults | Reuters
2022-02-13 12:00 p.m.
News: Southwestern Public Health Board of Health Hires Dr. Ninh Tran as its New Medical Officer of Health
Today, Southwestern Public Health’s Board of Health announced that following a thorough recruitment process, it has recruited Dr. Ninh Tran as its new Medical Officer of Health, serving Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas. Dr. Tran will be the public health unit’s Acting Medical Officer of Health until the agency receives approval from the Minister of Health as outlined in the Health Protection and Health Promotion Act.
Dr. Tran’s first day will be March 21, 2022.
Dr. Tran currently serves as the Associate Medical Officer of Health for Hamilton Public Health Services, a position he has held for more than 12 years. He is also a practicing primary care provider and has had both administrative and instructional duties with McMaster University’s Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency Program in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evaluation, and Impact. Dr. Tran holds a medical degree from Queen’s University, a Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph, and a Master’s degree in Health Research Methodology from McMaster University.
February 14, 2022 Board of Health Hires Dr. Ninh Tran as new MOH – Southwestern Public Health (swpublichealth.ca)
Canada to ease travel requirements as COVID cases decline
Canada to ease travel requirements as COVID cases decline (msn.com)
Peter Sloly resigns as Ottawa’s police chief, says force now ‘better positioned to end this occupation’
2022-02-13 2:30 p.m.
Canada’s Travel Restrictions Will Reportedly Change This Month & Here’s What We Know So Far
2022-02-08 9:00 p.m.
Freedom Convoy News Conference from earlier today.
Presented here in full
2022-02-07 7:00 p.m.
Top Indian Diplomat regarding our Prime Minister Trudeau
2022-02-05 11:00 p.m.
GoFundMe Reverses Plans On ‘Freedom Convoy’ Donations After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Promises Investigation
The GoFundMe website has reversed course and decided to automatically refund donations to the truckers organization leading a protest against Canadian pandemic restrictions. That’s after politicians vowed to investigate the website’s original plans for dealing with donations to the truckers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Saturday morning that he and the state’s attorney general will investigate GoFundMe after it shut down a fundraiser for the Canadian truckers participating in the so-called “Freedom Convoy.”
Bruce Haring 5 hrs ago
2022-02-04 4:00 p.m.
Who really needs a COVID-19 booster shot? Not everyone, it turns out
“One concern is that repeated dosing could lead to immune exhaustion, “the idea that immune cells get really, really good at doing one thing and very bad at doing two things at the same time,” Bowdish said. It’s as if the immune system becomes so specialized to that one immune response that it can’t deal with anything slightly off script.
“This idea of immune exhaustion is a very esoteric immunology concept that is terribly misunderstood and, to be frank, immunologists argue about it constantly,” Bowdish said.
National Post Sharon Kirkey 1 day ago
Who really needs a COVID-19 booster shot? Not everyone, it turns out (msn.com)
2022-02-03 12:30 p.m.
“Ontario reports 75 new COVID-19 related deaths Thursday as province’s top doctor set to speak“
As I post this story certain key words in the statement are very important. You notice they carefully say “75 new COVID-19 related deaths”. That is because a number of those deaths are actually not directly caused by Covid-19 but some other reason for death that may or may not have anything to directly do with Covid-19. Don’t believe me then here is the quote from the governments own website:
In the Footnotes section at the bottom of the page How Ontario is responding to COVID-19 | Ontario.ca
“[7] Back to paragraph^ Deaths are determined by using the outcome field in CCM. Any case marked “Fatal” is included in the deaths data. Deaths are included whether or not COVID-19 was determined to be a contributing or underlying cause of death as indicated in the CCM field “Type of Death”.
They clearly state that no matter what the actual cause of death is they will include it as a Covid-19 death. That is not only disingenuous but dishonest.
2022-01-31 1:00 p.m.
Trudeau confirms that he has tested positive for COVID-19
The Canadian Press
Published Monday, January 31, 2022 9:56AM EST
Last Updated Monday, January 31, 2022 12:35PM EST
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tested positive for COVID-19, days after revealing he was isolating after one of his three children contracted the virus.
“I’m feeling fine – and I’ll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines,” he said on Twitter Monday after revealing he tested positive in the morning.“
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s tested positive for COVID-19 | CP24.com
2022-01-30 12:00 p.m.
I have been saying for months that this virus is like the flu in that it will be with us on an ongoing basis. Yes we need to learn to live with it but not the draconian rules that go along with it. Is the Ontario Government finally coming to a realization that their efforts are futile in trying to eradicate the virus. Surely colds and the flu have taught us something about these types of viruses.
“In the face of Omicron, I absolutely think … we have to learn to live with this virus,” Dr. Kieran Moore said during a weekly news conference on the pandemic.“
“We’ve let our lives be controlled for the last two years in a significant amount of fear and now we’re going to have to change some of that thinking.”
By Holly McKenzie-Sutter The Canadian Press
Posted January 28, 2022 5:46 pm
Updated January 29, 2022 7:09 pm
Doug Ford says Ontario needs to ‘learn to live with’ COVID ahead of reopening Monday | Globalnews.ca
2022-01-21 11:00 p.m.
Two in Three (67%) Canadians Believe that a Fully Vaccinated Population Won’t be Enough to Stop the Spread of Omicron
THE AUTHOR(S)
Darrell Bricker Global CEO, Public Affairs
2022-01-21 10:45 p.m.
Ireland to drop almost all COVID restrictions
Ireland to drop almost all COVID restrictions | FR24 News English
2022-01-21 10:35 p.m.
CDC Says Natural Immunity Outperformed Vaccines Against Delta Strain
Dylan Housman – Wednesday MSN
CDC Says Natural Immunity Outperformed Vaccines Against Delta Strain (msn.com)
2022-01-21 1:15 p.m.
Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures
“In the absence of concerning trends in public health and health care indicators, Ontario will follow a cautious and phased approach to lifting public health measures, with 21 days between each step.
January 31, 2022
Effective January 31, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to:
- Increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
- Increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent in indoor public settings, including but not limited to:
- Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities;
- Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)
- Shopping malls;
- Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms;
- Cinemas;
- Meeting and event spaces;
- Recreational amenities and amusement parks, including water parks;
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and similar attractions; and
- Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
- Religious services, rites, or ceremonies.
- Allowing spectator areas of facilities such as sporting events, concert venues and theatres to operate at 50 per cent seated capacity or 500 people, whichever is less.
Enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.
February 21, 2022
Effective February 21, 2022, Ontario will lift public health measures, including:
- Increasing social gathering limits to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
- Removing capacity limits in indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, including but not limited to restaurants, indoor sports and recreational facilities, cinemas, as well as other settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements.
- Permitting spectator capacity at sporting events, concert venues, and theatres at 50 per cent capacity.
- Limiting capacity in most remaining indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is not required to the number of people that can maintain two metres of physical distance.
- Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies limited to the number that can maintain two metres of physical distance, with no limit if proof of vaccination is required.
- Increasing indoor capacity limits to 25 per cent in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including nightclubs, wedding receptions in meeting or event spaces where there is dancing, as well as bathhouses and sex clubs.
Enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.
March 14, 2022
Effective March 14, 2022, Ontario will take additional steps to ease public health measures, including:
- Lifting capacity limits in all indoor public settings. Proof of vaccination will be maintained in existing settings in addition to other regular measures.
- Lifting remaining capacity limits on religious services, rites, or ceremonies.
- Increase social gathering limits to 50 people indoors with no limits for outdoor gatherings.
To manage COVID-19 over the long-term, local and regional responses by public health units may be deployed based on local context and conditions.”
2022-01-20 11:45 p.m.
Here we go again…Premier Ford announces new reopening strategy for Ontario. This will go on ad nauseam it seems.
Premier Doug Ford announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions – YouTube
On top of that the Liberal opposition in Ontario is now calling for vaccine passports to be after 3 doses…not on your life…it is over guys put away the song sheets. And then there were 4, 5, 6…
Ontario Liberals Call for Vaccine Certificates to Require Boosters – Ontario Liberal Party
2022-01-19 5:08 p.m.
When will our leaders return to a more progressive position rather than our autocratic rulings?
Boris Johnson: “The Government Will No Longer Mandate the Wearing of Face Masks Anywhere.” – YouTube
2022-01-19 12:47 p.m.
Premier Ford alludes to reopening announcement by weekend.
Ontario premier says ‘positive news’ coming this week on COVID-19 restrictions | CTV News
2022-01-14 7:42
Mexico returns to 2019 normal for visitors as it looks to regain it’s tourist market.
Mexico Removes All COVID-19 Entry Requirements Including Health Form – Travel Off Path
2022-01-12 12:17
And so it begins. Mark this as a milestone as the unvaccinated begin their persecution for exercising their Charter Right to opt out of the vaccination process. I am fully vaccinated but this is the beginning of the next great atrocity enacted by one group of humans against another.
“Quebec to impose a tax on people who are unvaccinated from COVID-19“
Quebec to impose a tax on people who are unvaccinated from COVID-19 (msn.com)
2022-01-06 8:18 p.m
As I discussed in today’s blog on the blog page we must stop demonizing the unvaccinated in this country. It is now a known fact that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can catch Covid-19 and both can spread it.
One can hardly put the blame on the unvaccinated since 10,648 vaccinated versus 1,797 unvaccinated people today are considered positive cases by Ontario Hospitals with 1,156 vaccinated versus 436 unvaccinated in hospital today in Ontario.
Thank you Erin O’Toole for at least recognizing the need for some level of understanding.
“Erin O’Toole urges accommodations for unvaccinated Canadians amid Omicron wave”
Erin O’Toole urges accommodations for unvaccinated Canadians amid Omicron wave (msn.com)
Conservative leader on pandemic response: full statement – January 6, 2022
2022-01-05 3:20 p.m.
This is an interesting article but likely will need some peer review before it will be accepted by the mainstream.
“Omicron antibodies could provide immunity against Delta COVID variant, South Africa study suggests
Being infected with Omicron may enhance immunity against the Delta variant of coronavirus, research by South African scientists have suggested.
The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, examined 15 people, some were vaccinated others not, and found that those infected with Omicron developed an enhanced immunity to Delta.
The scientists then took samples to see if those people would be able to neutralize Omicron and Delta 14 days later.”
2022-01-05 3:00 p.m.
This variant of the month so far shows no signs of being a problem for anyone. It in fact was around even before Omicron and it so far has shown no propensity to be widely contagious.
COVID variant B.1.640.2: What we know so far about the new strain found in France | Euronews
“Should we be concerned?
Unlike Delta and Omicron, which were quickly designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “variants of concern,” what we know about B.1.640.2 is not enough to raise serious concerns amongst the scientific community.
To be listed as a variant of concern, the WHO must be satisfied that the statistical evidence shows the variant is somehow more transmissible than previous mutations is likely to cause a more severe reaction in infected people or is able to evade current protections, such as the existing mRNA vaccines being administered in arms around the world.
Virus mutations and variants are a common occurrence and there will likely be many more strains of COVID-19 in the future. That doesn’t mean this variant will not be monitored to make sure that it is not dangerous.”
“Why do experts doubt B.1.640.2 is anything to worry about?
So far, the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have not issued any guidance about the new variant but misinformation about it has been rife online.
Some Twitter users, including certain quarters in the media, believed that there was a spiralling caseload of the new variant but this has not been substantiated. For instance, French journalist Vincent Glad posted that a medical news site in Thailand reported that there were over 900 cases of the variant in France and it had already spread to the UK.”
.2021-12-18 – 12:51 a.m.
NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Further Strengthening Response to Omicron
Additional measures to slow the spread as province accelerates booster dose rollout
December 17, 2021
Ontario Further Strengthening Response to Omicron | Ontario Newsroom
2021-12-15 – 2:40 p.m.
The 7 Billion Dollar Question: “Where is the money coming from?”
Conservative Finance critic at the Finance Committee tries to find out how the government is going finance their bill for additional Covid-19 funding.
The 7 Billion Dollar Question: “Where is the money coming from?” – YouTube
2021-12-14 – 8:00 p.m.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides COVID-19 update
5 hours ago
2021-12-07 – 8:00 p.m.
Plant based VLP Vaccine seeking Approval in Canada and United States
Medicago and it’s partner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) completed their efficacy testing phase for their plant-based virus like particle (VLP) Covid-19 candidate. Unlike the genetic vaccines the VLP technology does not impart any genetic material into the body and cannot replicate.
This is exciting news for those of us who prefer to have a more natural solution and may move many vaccine hesitant persons to get vaccinated.
It is now time for the Canadian and Provincial governments to all get behind this Canadian Vaccine producer to ensure it comes to market as soon as possible. Also use the vaccine here in Canada.
I for one will only have a booster if it is Medicago.
Check out the news release below from Medicago.
“Medicago and GSK announce positive Phase 3 efficacy and safety results for adjuvanted plant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate”
“Quebec City, London, December 7th, 2021 – Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today announce positive efficacy and safety results from the global Phase 3 placebo-controlled efficacy study of Medicago’s plant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate in combination with GSK’s pandemic adjuvant, conducted in over 24,000 subjects, adults 18y and above, across six countries.”
2021-11-26 – 7:00 p.m.
Canadian Government Identifies new Variant
South African scientists detect new COVID-19 variant | CBC News
Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada and around the world on Friday | CBC News
2021-11-12 – 7:30 p.m.
When is a Virus Endemic
I posted this video from the WHO since we have been battling Covid-19 for some time now and with weariness comes the expectation this pandemic will never end.
There will come a time when Covid-19 begins to settle into a predictable pattern of infection with the expectation that it will always be with us in different regions at different times over time.
Is that when it becomes Endemic?
What does it mean when a virus becomes endemic
World Health Organization (WHO) – What does it mean when a virus becomes endemic | Facebook
2021-11-12 – 4:30 p.m.
Ontario Government Announcement
The Ontario Government has announced that the PCR test will no longer be used to determine variants as the Delta Variant now represents the vast majority of positive cases. Also detail variant reporting will no longer be available although summary information will be available through the Ontario Government.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 Virus) Genomic Surveillance | Public Health Ontario
“SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 Virus) Genomic Surveillance
SARS-COV-2 MUTATION TESTING BY REAL-TIME PCR
As of November 12, 2021 PHO Laboratory is no longer testing SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive specimens for N501Y and E484K mutations by multiplex real time PCR. This is due the current dominance of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) lineage in Ontario that has reduced the utility of the N501Y and E484K targets for differentiating circulating VOC lineages. A shift to a representative surveillance strategy real-time PCR testing for specific mutations in SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens will be revisited as needed.
SARS-COV-2 WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING FOR SURVEILLANCE
As of November 12, 2021 PHO Laboratory will be randomly selecting a proportion (e.g. 25%) of all SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens, with Ct≤ 30* from the SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostic test, for whole genome sequencing (WGS). This replaces the previous process implemented on May 26, 2021 for sequencing based on the VOC real-time PCR test.
The proportion of selected specimens will be adjusted periodically and determined according to positivity rates, the number of positive specimens, and testing capacity. When capacity allows, up to 100 % of eligible specimens will be tested by WGS. This sampling method was first implemented on June 14, 2021, and aims to remove selection bias, provide better representation of known variants for surveillance, and allow improved detection of new emerging variants.
This link provides the latest summary for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing in Ontario.
In addition to the selected proportion (if less than 100%), sequencing will be performed on specimens meeting the following criteria:
- International travel – all specimens from travelers and contacts will be sequenced if travel is indicated on the COVID-19 diagnostic test requisition. If travel was not indicated on the requisition, testing can be added upon request.
- Vaccine breakthrough – all specimens from cases that are positive for SARS-CoV-2 ≥14 days after the completion of the vaccination series (e.g. ≥14 days after the second dose of a 2-dose series) will be sequenced if vaccination status is indicated on the COVID-19 diagnostic test requisition. If vaccination status was not indicated on the requisition testing can be added upon request.
- Suspected reinfection – sequencing can be requested to support the classification of the case as re-infection.
- Certain outbreak investigations – sequencing can be requested to support outbreak investigations.
For criteria 1 and 2, sequencing results will be sent as a lab information system standard report back to the ordering healthcare provider and to the public health unit for all specimens, however only VOC lineages will be named on the report . Lineages not currently designated as VOC will be reported back as “Variant of Concern not detected” due to the dynamic nature of non-VOC lineage naming. Similarly, Variants of Interest (VOIs) will not be identified as such on the laboratory report, nor will the lineage be reported. Descendent lineages of VOCs will be reported as the parent lineage only (e.g. AY.4 Delta descendent lineage reported as B.1.617.2).
For criteria 3 and 4, outbreak investigations, the submitter may request a simple lineage-only report or in-depth genomic analysis. If WGS testing is agreed to by the Ontario COVID-19 Genomic Network, submitters should confirm the specimen’s eligibility and availability with the original testing lab and arrange for specimens to be sent to the WGS testing laboratory. Please refer to the SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Request guidance document and contact IORT@oahpp.ca for support.
* The specimen’s SARS-CoV-2 PCR cycle threshold (Ct) value must be ≤ 30 for successful genome sequencing. A subset of samples with a Ct ≤ 30 may not be successfully sequenced likely due to a low level of virus present, RNA degradation, or sequencing technical issues.“”
2021-11-11
“Capacity restrictions possible for Southwestern Public Health region”
COVID-19: Southwestern Public Health considering restrictions | CTV News
“Aylmer has low vaccination rates and high COVID-19 case counts (27 ongoing). With a crude rate of 360 cases per 100,000 population — SWPH has the second highest COVID-19 rates in Ontario.
Eighty-four per cent of people in SWPH have two doses, but it is the 16 per cent that are driving the case count.
Of the total positive COVID-19 cases in SWPH, approximately 78 per cent of them are unvaccinated.
Public Health Sudbury has recently rolled back to Step 3 restrictions after daily case counts surpassed 100.”
2021-11-10
“Ontario Pausing the Lifting of Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required”
“TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is pausing the lifting of capacity limits in remaining higher-risk settings as outlined in A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term. This is being done out of an abundance of caution as the province monitors public health trends.
The phased and cautious approach to Ontario’s safe reopening includes ongoing monitoring and assessment of key public health and health care indicators. While Ontario’s hospital and intensive care capacity remains stable and the province continues to report one of the lowest rates of active cases in the country, certain public health trends, including the effective reproduction number and percent positivity have increased slightly over the past week.
An increase in cases was always expected as more people move indoors due to the colder weather and as the province eased measures. However, out of an abundance of caution, existing capacity limits and physical distancing requirements for higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required will remain in place to ensure the province has the required time to better understand any potential impact on hospitalizations and ICU admissions. These higher-risk settings include:
- food or drink establishments with dance facilities such as night clubs and wedding receptions in meeting/event spaces where there is dancing;
- strip clubs; and
- sex clubs and bathhouses.
The government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to monitor the data for the next 28 days to determine when it is safe to lift capacity limits in these settings.
“Throughout the pandemic our government has taken a cautious approach to reopening, ensuring our hospital capacity remains stable and the province continues to report one of the lowest rates of active cases in the country,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “To protect our hard-fought progress and ensure we can continue to manage COVID-19 for the long-term, more time is needed before we can take the next step forward in our reopening plan.”
Ontario’s cautious approach is working, with weekly cases incidence rates still well below the national average and the province tracking below the lower range scenario for ICU projections outlined by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table on October 22, 2021. However, the province has continued to be guided by the evidence, ensuring that key indicators continue to be assessed through each milestone of its plan to gradually lift public health and workplace safety measures.
“While Ontario has continued to make progress as a result of its safe and cautious approach to reopening, it is necessary to make this deliberate pause as we approach the winter holidays where more people will begin gathering indoors and where students will be returning to in-class learning in January after celebrating with friends and family,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Over the coming weeks and months, we need to stay the course on reaching those who have not yet been vaccinated, follow public health and workplace safety measures, and continue to remain vigilant in order to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe.”
Ontarians are urged to remain vigilant and continue following public health and workplace safety measures in place and to get vaccinated if they have not done so already. Achieving the highest vaccination rates possible is key to reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and significant surges in cases. Responses will continue to be tailored to local context, with the ultimate goal of limiting disruption to people and businesses across the province.”
2021-11-07
Canadian/USA land and water borders to reopen on November 08, 2021
To begin after being closed to unessential travel March 2020 the land and water borders will be again open to Canadians wishing to travel to the USA tomorrow November 8, 2021.
It will be somewhat busy for the first few days as those with pent up energy to travel will want to take advantage as soon as possible.
There are some things to keep in mind as one embarks on this journey. To that end here are some links that may be useful.
The ArriveCAN link outlines the requirement to register 72 hours before returning to Canada. Failure to do so could result in refusal of entry.
Border wait times are useful to know how long you may be delayed at the border.
US Customs and Border Protection Covid updates
- Use ArriveCAN to enter Canada – Canada.ca
- Border wait times: United States to Canada (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)
- CBP COVID-19 Updates and Announcements | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. to open border to fully vaccinated travellers starting Nov. 8
U.S. to open border to fully vaccinated travellers starting Nov. 8 | CBC News
“PCR test requirements at the border need to be re-examined: Tam”
PCR test requirements at the border need to be re-examined: Tam (msn.com)
It seems the PCR test requirement at the border is now under active investigation by Health Canada as critics are concerned that those able to get PCR tests in Canada to cover them for short trips while those for a longer period of time in the USA will have to fork out hundreds of dollars to pay for it in the USA.
2021-11-03
“Ontario won’t mandate COVID-19 vaccines for hospital workers, despite advice from science table”
Ford will not mandate vaccines for hospital workers.
“This is a complex issue. But when the impact of the potential departure of tens of thousands of health-care workers is weighed against the small number of outbreaks that are currently active in Ontario’s hospitals, I am not prepared to jeopardize the delivery of care to millions of Ontarians,” Ford said in the statement. “Having looked at the evidence, our government has decided to maintain its flexible approach by leaving human resourcing decisions up to individual hospitals.””
Ontario won’t mandate COVID-19 vaccines for hospital workers, despite advice from science table | CP24.com
2021-10-22
Ontario Government Announces Changes to Covid-19 Restrictions
“ONTARIO REGULATION
made under the [Bilingual] REG2021.0858.e 9
REOPENING ONTARIO (A FLEXIBLE RESPONSE TO COVID-19) ACT, 2020 Amending 0. Reg. 364/20
(RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP)“
solgen-oreg727-21amend364-20.pdf (ontario.ca)
Today the Ontario announced changes to the Rules affecting capacity limits effective Monday October 25, 2021 and other planned changes in November 2021, January, February and March 2022. The planned changes are outlined by date.
Summary
- October 25, 2021 Lift limits on most indoor venues and some outdoor venues (proof of vaccination and masks are still required)
- November 15. 2021 Lift limits on high risk indoor venues (proof of vaccination are still required)
- January 17, 2022 Lift limits in venues not requiring proof of vaccination and gradual lifting of proof of vaccination requirements for venues currently requiring proof (if trends allow)
- February 7. 2022 Lift limits for proof of vaccination in high risk venues
- March 28, 2022 Lift all restrictions related to Covid-19 including the requirement to wear face masks in indoor settings. Also all proof of vaccination requirement’s will be lifted by this date.
Details in Government News Release
Here is the government news release shown in full at the link below.
2021-10-12
US/Canada Border Opening to Fully Vaccinated Canadians in November
In addition, before one launches into such a crossing it is important to consider a few items.
- What sort of Covid Passport are they looking for?
- What type and mixture of vaccines are acceptable?
- What type of test and timing is required?
- Does one have purchased travel health insurance including Covid-19 and what is the cost and allowed duration?
I checked today with a insurance provider and one must specify how long one is staying in the USA. For two weeks it costs $232.00. They do not cover Covid-19 in their annual plan. It is trip by trip. They also said currently they do not cover cruises.
“The White House confirmed Tuesday night that fully vaccinated visitors from Canada and Mexico will be welcomed at land border crossings next month; however, officials would not specify what vaccines would be accepted or if mixed doses will meet eligibility tests.”
Canada-U.S. land border to reopen in November, White House says | CTV News
2021-09-04
I find it hard to believe that certain areas of this country are actually considering to give the Liberals another Minority government. Have we not learned from the last 18 months of near misery?
Nanos research | CTV News | Nanos polls
2021-08-25
“John Ivison: Lessons from a heckler on Trudeau’s six years of failed promises of affordable housing“
John Ivison 23 hrs. ago jivison@postmedia.com
“Reporters are grumpy because the story is already out but that turns out to be the least of Trudeau’s worries. As he launches into his sales pitch for his new housing plan, he is heckled aggressively by a young man in a red t-shirt. “You had six years to do something. You’ve done nothing,” the protester bellowed, knocking the Liberal leader off-stride with his boisterousness. “These houses are worth $1.5 million. Are you going to help us pay $1.5 million? Are you, buddy?””
2021-08-23
“Twitter flags Liberal campaign video featuring O’Toole as ‘manipulated media’“
“A video released by the Liberal Party in which Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole is shown to express support for a private, “for-profit” health care system in Canada has been flagged by Twitter as manipulated media.
The video, which was released by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland on Sunday, shows the Tory leader responding “yes” to a question on whether he would allow provinces to experiment with private for-profit and non-profit options within universal healthcare.
The Conservative leader’s answer in the video was cut into several parts, but did not include when O’Toole later said that Canada needs to “make sure universal access remains paramount,” despite the introduction of a private-public system.
According to the social media company’s policy on the issue, Twitter would need reason to believe that the video, or the context in which it’s presented, “are significantly and deceptively altered or manipulated.”
Trudeau defends tweet featuring O’Toole flagged as ‘manipulative media’ – National | Globalnews.ca
2021-08-17
To begin with the Ontario Chief Medical Office of Health
Indeed Third Dose for Most Vulnerable
In particular the Ontario Government announced today that it will be offering a third dose of available vaccines to Ontario’s transplant recipients, cancer patients, drug recipients and residents of high exposure risk settings.
To illustrate “Based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts, the province will begin offering third doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to select vulnerable populations.“
Coupled with Vaccine for Youths Turning 12 in 2021
Meanwhile a strategy to vaccinate children turning 12 in 2021 was announced.
Finally a link to Ontario’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility | Ontario Newsroom