COVID-19: Latest developments in the Greater Toronto Area on April 24

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Phillip Schofield has returned to This Morning after testing positive for coronavirus. The 59-year-old presenter had been forced to skip hosting This Morning and Dancing on Ice and admitted he was "bored out of his brain" while locked away in his home after testing positive for Covid seven days in a row.

Canada’s Meryeta O’Dine won the bronze medal in her Olympic debut at the Beijing Winter Games in women’s snowboard cross Wednesday.

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A review is set to be launched after four children were given Covid vaccine overdoses of more than twice the approved amount.

A Business Proposal has been pushed back by a week.Today (February 9), the show’s production team announced that the premiere of A Business Proposal has been pushed back by a week, attributing the delay to stricter COVID-19 protocols on the show’s set. The show will now premiere on February 28.“We have decided to inevitably postpone the first broadcast of A Business Proposal for a week due to COVID-19 in order to change the filming schedule and secure a safe production environment,” a representative from the show said, per Sports Chosun and translated by Soompi.“The first broadcast date has been changed from February 21 to February 28,” the representative added.

Read on to understand how:

COLOMBO (News 1st); The EU has urged Sri Lanka to continue reducing the use of the PTA, and to undertake further practical and administrative steps to release on bail those detained under the PTA without charges.The European Union (EU) and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka held their 24th meeting of the Joint Commission on 8th February 2022 in Brussels.During the meeting, Sri Lanka reiterated its objective to achieve measurable, tangible, and verifiable results on the ground in meeting its commitments.In this context, the EU welcomed the submission by the Government of Sri Lanka of amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - A juror in the Scott Peterson trial has been offered immunity before testifying at a hearing that could determine whether a new trial is granted, authorities said.Richelle Nice was Juror 7 in the trial that ended with Peterson's conviction for killing his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn son. However, Peterson's attorney said Nice was guilty of juror misconduct because she failed to reveal during the jury selection that she had been beaten by a boyfriend while she was pregnant. He said Peterson deserves a new trial.The offer to Nice will come before she testifies at a Feb.

Convicted rapist and murderer Wayne Couzens has been placed in isolation after catching coronavirus in prison with reports suggesting he is "suffering badly".

Train services are set to increase again as ScotRail recovers from staff shortages following a Covid surge over the festive period.

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a news conference after a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill February 1, 2022 in Washington, DC. McConnell told reporters he disagrees with fo WASHINGTON - Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is going against the Republican National Committee calling the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services, Dr. Hemanth Herath has slammed the organizing of mass gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 spread in the island.‘This is not something that needs to be said over again.

Truckers paralysing the Canadian capital in anger at Covid rules show no sign of backing down, as several of the nation's provinces announced it was time to roll back restrictions that count among the world's toughest.

First nasal spray for covid-19 treatment in India: For the treatment of adult patients suffering from Covid-19, pharma company Glenmark has launched Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (FabiSpray) in India. The nasal spray was launched by the pharma company in partnership with SaNOtize. "Phase 3 trial in India met the key endpoints and demonstrated reduction of viral load of 94 per cent in 24 hours and 99 per cent in 48 hours. Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) was safe and well-tolerated in COVID-19 patients. Glenmark to market NONS under the brand name FabiSpray," the company said in a statement.

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ladies tights such as pantyhose on your face could reduce the risk of getting Covid, more so than masks.A major risk identified with commonly worn face masks is that they do not fit tightly enough to block viral particles from being inhaled or exhaled significantly.Cambridge University researchers have tested seven hacks to improve the fit of masks.Their new study outlined DIY hacks people have used to make masks fit better, including using rubber bands or tape.They found the most effective tactic was to wrap pantyhose around the bottom half of the face or on top of a mask.Researchers have said that this could reduce the number of viral particles by up to seven times more than a loose mask on its own by sealing the gaps around the nose and mouth.They raised that the social and physical impact of wearing tights on your face in public was "unlikely to be tolerated for an extended period of time".Tight-fitting medical masks are great at blocking out the virus, but many describe them as uncomfortable.The study raised that the most common surgical or cloth masks are far less resistant to Covid.Cambridge researchers recruited four volunteers to try seven different mask hacks - the study looked at both surgical and KN95 masks.Other methods included tying the ear bands to make the masks fit more tightly or stuffing the gaps with bandages.Participants did seven minutes of various exercises designed to mimic real-world interactions such as talking, smiling, nodding and eating.The researchers measured how well the masks fit by monitoring the filtration efficiency and calculating a 'fit factor' score.Pantyhose and cloth tape were most effective, increasing the fit factor by 27.7 and 14.7.Surgical masks performed better if worn in

Epik High frontman Tablo has tested positive for COVID-19.OURS, Epik High’s management agency, confirmed the news through a press statement released earlier today (February 9).“Tablo experienced minor symptoms on February 3 and underwent PCR testing, and his results came back negative the next day (January 4),” the agency said, as translated by Soompi. “However, he voluntarily got tested again on February 8, and his results came back positive this morning.”The statement also noted that the rest of Epik High and staff members who were recently in contact with Tablo underwent rapid antigen testing following the hip-hop artist’s diagnosis.

New Zealand anti-vaccine mandate protesters faced off with police outside parliament today, as demonstrators camped inside the Wellington legislature's grounds vowed to stay "as long as it takes".

Director Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker joins Global News’ Linda Olsen to discuss how she is using her experiences growing up Black in Calgary and how that has inspired her art.

Doug Ford promised “one of the best” paid sick day programs in North America, it appears the provincial government is considering a move that would double the amount of money people can receive if they need to take time off due to COVID-19.However, as of Tuesday, many questions and concerns remain unaddressed, including if there will be provisions to stop pay interruption and issues with timely access to funding — points advocates and opposition politicians have repeatedly said poses barriers to those in need.In a letter obtained by Global News on Tuesday, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy wrote Deputy Prime Minister and federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to say the provincial government would provide a $500 per week

Woolwich church faces more charges after ignoring COVID-19 rules once again “Officers stopped attendees observed leaving the premises and issued appropriate tickets under the ROA.”Greeno said each of those tickets comes with a price tag of $750.“Officers ticketed as many as they could and collected evidence to lay further charges later,” she explained.Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued an “emergency brake” on April 1 that limits current capacity at churches to 15 per cent.A week later, a state of emergency was declared that limits religious services to 10 people.At the same time, Ford also allowed police officers to perform random spot checks but backtracked a day later, saying the powers limit police to investigating those suspected were

COVID-19 shutdown.The area’s biggest city, Kitchener, was also the costliest, as signs and caution tape were quickly erected on area playgrounds to support the order issued by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Ontario government alters new, temporary COVID-19 police powers after widespread backlash “Staff and equipment costs are estimated at just under $16,000,” Kitchener spokesperson Shawn Falcao told Global News in an email.“It’s estimated about $5,000 was spent on signage, caution tape, and other materials.

COVID-19 cases on Friday. The provincial total now stands at 437, 310.Friday’s case count has jumped back over 4,000 after Thursday recorded 3,682 new infections.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is now apologizing for his COVID-19 restrictions and pledging to create a paid sick leave program, following months of demands. Travis Dhanraj reports on a provincial government in crisis.

Premier Doug Ford spoke with reporters days after entering self-isolation because a staff member in his office tested positive for COVID-19. Travis Dhanraj reports.

COVID-19 pandemic, some Canadian employers are offering paid sick leave to their employees in the absence of government action.Paid sick leave benefits, which allow workers to call in sick without fear of losing a day’s pay, are becoming a political issue across the country, especially in Ontario. The benefit is one of the measures recommended by a group of experts who advise the Ontario government on COVID-19 measures, but has so far been turned down.

COVID-19 on Thursday, raising the local case count to 3,779 during the pandemic.Active cases remained fell by 10 from the previous day to 339 with another 35 people recovering from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Doug Ford confirms paid sick leave program for workers coming, apologizes for backtracking The city’s resolved case count is at 3,403 and its COVID-19-related death toll of 37 has not changed since Feb.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Thursday said he’s “not going to stop” after a wave of criticism from last weekend over COVID-19 restrictions he announced last Friday.

COVID-19 pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Thursday:Premier Doug Ford confirmed the province is working on a paid sick-leave program for Ontario workers after months of refusal.He said the province is now working on a solution because the federal government hasn’t expanded its own policy.Ford fought back tears as he also apologized for increasing police enforcement powers and closing playgrounds last Friday amid surging case numbers and hospitalizations in the province.He said his government moved too fast and got it wrong.“Simply put, we got it wrong. We made a mistake.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to hold a virtual press conference Thursday morning amid his isolation following a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.The press conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Global News will livestream it here.Details on what exactly the premier will speak to Ontarians about were not revealed.

COVID-19 Wednesday, raising the local case count to 3,754 during the pandemic.Active cases remained unchanged at 349 from the previous day with another 46 people recovering from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Ontario Premier Doug Ford in isolation after staff member tests positive for COVID-19 The city’s resolved case count is at 3,368 and its COVID-19-related death toll of 37 has not changed since Feb.

COVID-19 pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Wednesday:Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office has announced he is self-isolating after being in close contact with a staff member in his office who tested positive for COVID-19.According to a statement issued late Tuesday, Ford was in contact with the affected staff member on Monday.The statement said that staff member was tested on Tuesday after being told they came into contact with someone who had COVID-19. It went on to say the employee received a positive test result Tuesday evening.

COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The provincial total now stands at 429,123.Wednesday’s case count has jumped back into the 4,000s after Tuesday recorded 3,469 new cases, although more tests were processed.

COVID-19.According to a statement issued late Tuesday, Ford was in contact with the affected staff member on Monday.The statement said that staff member was tested on Tuesday after being told they came into contact with someone who had COVID-19. It went on to say the employee received a positive test result Tuesday evening.“Immediately upon learning that this staff member was even at risk of exposure, the premier left the legislature to be tested,” the statement said.

COVID-19 restrictions that were partly altered just a day later, questions are being raised about why Ontario Premier Doug Ford has missed question period at Queen’s Park.After being absent from public view on Monday and Tuesday and missing question period both days, the hashtag #WhereIsDougFord became a trending topic on Twitter.There were also additional questions raised about his absence in advance of a $1,000-per-person Zoom fundraiser that was scheduled for Thursday. Ford along with ministers Steve Clark and Lisa Thompson were billed as the headliners of the event.However, when asked about the fundraiser, a Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario spokesperson said Tuesday afternoon the event was being postponed.

COVID-19 pandemic.Government officials have rejected cries for an Ontario paid sick leave program throughout the pandemic multiple times over several months, citing the federal government’s current benefit in place. As the third wave worsens in Ontario, critics said provincial paid sick leave could help to curb surging numbers.While speaking to reporters at the Ontario legislature on Tuesday, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton and Health Minister Christine Elliott suggested some assistance might be coming.

Ontario government alters new, temporary COVID-19 police powers after widespread backlash The government reversed course a day later, and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police said Monday people should not be afraid to go outside.The association’s spokesman, Joe Couto, says police forces had to come out quickly on Friday to assure the public that they would not be randomly stopping people.Many Ontario police forces won’t use new COVID-19 powers to conduct random stopsCouto says arbitrarily stopping people would be unethical, unenforceable and police forces do not have the resources to do it.He says police will instead focus their enforcement efforts on large gatherings of more than five people.

COVID-19 pandemic there are growing calls for the premier to step down.On Sunday, a Washington Post op-ed by columnist David Moscrop titled “Doug Ford must resign” quickly became the most read story on the paper’s website. In the article, Moscrop wrote, “Over a year into the pandemic, things are worse in Ontario than they have been since it began.”The column is scathing when it comes to Ford’s ability to lead the province moving forward.“Getting rid of a premier with a majority government is difficult outside of an election.

COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario.Ivana Yelich said Sunday that Ford began reaching out to international allies after news of cuts to upcoming Moderna shipments, and as the province awaits a possible recommendation on lowering the age limit for the AstraZeneca shot.“Ontario has the capacity to vaccinate more people, but we are lacking the supply to do it,” Yelich said in a statement.“Vaccines are our only way out of this pandemic and the premier will exhaust every avenue he has in order to get more needles into arms of Ontarians sooner.” Canada adds millions more Pfizer doses over spring, but Moderna cuts back Procuring vaccines is normally the responsibility of the federal government.Global News has reached out to Procurement Canada and

COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor recreational activities came Sunday, amid word the government had proposed to shut the legislature down as early as Wednesday.Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath said her New Democrats would not play along until the Progressive Conservative government had reversed what she described as its “dangerous police-state orders” and replaced them with public health measures.“We are not prepared to help Doug Ford go home, leaving a police state in place while he allows COVID-19 to run rampant, overrun hospitals, and steal the lives of Ontarians who would otherwise make it through this,” Horwath said in a statement.

COVID-19 cases.”In a statement Saturday evening, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Bill Blair said that the government was extending the two health units for another two months to at least June 30.“The federal government is there to provide support where it is needed most, such as Ontario which has seen an alarming resurgence in COVID-19 cases,” read Blair’s statement.

Science experts say the new rules announced by Premier Doug Ford on Friday will not dramatically decrease the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario. Many say these directives continue to miss the mark when it comes to addressing the root causes of transmission.

COVID-19 cases.On Friday, Premier Doug Ford extended Ontario’s state of emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order until at least May 20 and announced further restrictions to gatherings and recreation.As of 12:01 a.m. Saturday all outdoor gatherings are restricted to those that live together, with the exception of those who live alone being allowed to join one other household exclusively.In London, Ont., all public soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, skate parks, picnic areas, park shelters and outdoor exercise equipment are closed following Ford’s announcement.

COVID-19 measures introduced by the Ford government on Friday. “I am reiterating my position today and asking that we consider reversing our decisions on limiting outdoor activities and giving broad, unclear powers to law enforcement agencies,” Mitas wrote in the emailHowever, on Saturday afternoon and after Mitas’s email, Premier Doug Ford tweeted a reversal of a decision to shut down playgrounds in the province.

Ontario government is expected to backtrack on new police powers to enforce anti-pandemic measures.A source with knowledge of the discussions – but who was not authorized to speak publicly about them – says a “scoping-down” clarification is currently being approved.The new powers allow police to stop anyone at random and ask why they’re not at home and where they live.

London Police Service is reassuring Londoners they will not be stopped when driving or walking in the city under the latest COVID-19 public health measures.“Our plan is to continue to engage, explain, educate & enforce in a fair & unbiased manner. We will not be randomly stopping people,” Steve Williams said in a tweet published hours after Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s announcement Friday.