COVID-19: Ontario health minister says ‘not in the clear’ yet to end proof of vaccination, masking

Peter Andre revealed to fans that his mum Thea's health is "really declining" as she gets older.The 49-year-old star who is only one year away from turning 50, is oping to visit his elderly parents in Australia as soon as possible, with the current situation making him "sad".In particular, the last two years have been tough for Peter and his family due to the Covid-19 pandemic - with Australia enforcing a strict ban on travel.While the Mysterious Girl hitmaker had been looking forward to marking his milestone birthday, the chart topper also admitted that he is riddled with worry that Thea's health is getting progressively worse.The doting father of four wrote in his weekly New magazine column: "I feel great about being a year away from 50."I dreaded turning 40 but actually my forties have been really amazing, I feel relaxed, and in a very happy place career wise and personally."The only thing that worries me about turning another year older is that my parents are getting older and my mum's health is really declining, which makes me sad.""But everything else is going well and I feel great," he added.Just weeks ago, Peter was overwhelmed as he took to social media to share his glee that coronavirus restrictions were finally lifting in the country that he grew up in.Peter, who was born in London but raised in Australia had even toyed with the idea of moving back to his homeland but knew this would be tricky because of his four children and wife Emily who are UK-based.The singer showcased a news article from the BBC that stipulated restrictions changes down under.He said: "I am so, so, so, happy."As a desperate attempt to see his family, Peter even contacted the Australian embassy, explaining that his mother Thea had been

Three percent of 10,403 adults with COVID-19 pneumonia were diagnosed as having new-onset dementia after a median of 182 days, a significantly higher proportion than that observed with other types of pneumonia, finds a study yesterday in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.University of Missouri at Columbia researchers conducted a case

The World Health Organization (WHO) technical advisory group on COVID-19 vaccines today weighed in on potential updates to COVID-19 vaccines in light of emerging variants such as Omicron, outlining different options and what data are needed to guide new strategies.

Ukrainian servicemen captured from Zmiinyi Island, or "Snake" Island, were brought to Sevastopol in Crimea, Feb. 26, 2022.

Coca-Cola cap and Russian flag displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on March 6, 2022. (Photo illustration by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) ATLANTA - The Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company said it would be suspending business in Russia following the country’s attack on neighboring Ukraine.The move comes amid the growing pressures for American companies to break ties with the waring country.In a statement released Tuesday, The Coca-Cola Company wrote:"Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine. "We will continue to monitor and assess the situation as circumstances evolve."A growing number of multinational businesses have cut Russia off from vital financial services or stopped operating in the country.

Russia-Ukraine crisis continues. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday the U.S. will ban all Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia’s economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, but he acknowledged it will bring costs to Americans, particularly at the gas pump.According to auto club AAA, the price of regular gasoline on average across the U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - The School District of Philadelphia said it will move ahead with its plan to make masks optional for students and staff on Wednesday. In a letter to families shared a week ago, Superintendent William Hite Jr. wrote that masks will be optional for students and faculty starting Mar.

A view of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from the Petronas Twin Towers. (Photo from CIA World Factbook) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia will reopen its borders on April 1 after two years and lift remaining coronavirus restrictions on businesses as it moves to restore normal life, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced Tuesday.

COVID-19 can cause the brain to shrink, memory loss, U.K. study finds At least 130 staff cases are currently active at LHSC, down from 136 on Monday, March 7. Monday’s tally was the first update to be released by LHSC since Feb.

Adult COVID-19 survivors—even those with mild illness—who underwent scans showed changes in brain structure beyond that expected from normal aging, including in areas tied to smell and memory, according to a UK study published yesterday in Nature.

With Russia intensifying its war on Ukraine, killing civilians and triggering a mass refugee crisis, President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced a U.S. ban on imported Russian oil. Critics of Russia have said that sanctioning its energy exports would be the best — perhaps only — way to force Moscow to pull back.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. - A South Florida elementary school teacher who had to be hospitalized after she was attacked by a 5-year-old student in her classroom was so severely injured, she had to be intubated and will need surgery, her union says.The attack happened Wednesday morning at Pines Lakes Elementary School.According to the police report, "The incident began when two students in the classroom, 4 and 5 years old, began throwing things around the classroom and at the teachers along with flipping the chairs."Several faculty members split up the students, and teacher Trisha Meadows brought the 5-year-old into another room.That's when the boy attacked Meadows, Broward Teachers Union President Ana Fusco says."He actually ran and attacked and jumped on her with his whole body weight. She fell and hit her head, which caused the severe injury and other bodily injuries where she is going to need surgery," Fusco told WSVN.PREVIOUS: South Florida teacher hospitalized after 5-year-old attacked her in classroom, police sayStaff members then heard the teacher using her school radio, saying she needed help.

McDonald's restaurant in St. Petersburg, Russia (Photo by Sergei Mikhailichenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) DETROIT - McDonald’s said Tuesday it is temporarily closing all of its 850 restaurants in Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.The burger giant said it will continue paying its 62,000 employees in Russia "who have poured their heart and soul into our McDonald’s brand." But in an open letter to employees, McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempckinski said closing those stores for now is the right thing to do."Our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine," Kempczinski said.RELATED: Mastercard, Visa suspend operations in Russia amid Ukraine invasionKempczinski said it’s impossible to know when the company will be able to reopen its stores."The situation is extraordinarily challenging for a global brand like ours, and there are many considerations," Kempczinski wrote in the letter.

COVID-19 milestone on Tuesday as Waterloo Public Health says that more than 40,000 people have been officially cleared of the virus.The agency says that another 45 people are considered to be cleared of the virus, raising the total number of resolved cases in the area to 40,018. Ontario offering nurses up to $5,000 as job retention incentive Naturally, the numbers could be higher as the province limited testing availability a few months back once the fast-spreading Omicron variant established itself as the dominant strain throughout the province.Waterloo Public Health also reported another 38 positive tests for the coronavirus on Tuesday, lifting the total number of cases in the area to 40,896.This drops the rolling seven-day average number of new daily cases down to 49.

Karla Sindy's "FART" license plate. (Credit: Karla Sindy) ASHEVILLE, N.C. - A North Carolina woman is fighting to keep her ‘FART’ vanity license plate after the DMV issued it to her but then said it might be recalled.Karly Sindy, 37, of Asheville, North Carolina, said she requested her license plate last October and received it in November. "I was re-registering my truck online and it had the option to customize my plate so on a whim I tried FART," Sindy told FOX Television Stations.

Image of an iHealth at home Covid-19 rapid antigen test supplied for free by the U.S. Postal Service.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says an officer violated the department’s use of force directive in the shooting that left 12-year-old Thomas Siderio dead near 18th and Barbara streets last week. That officer - who has only been identified by police as ‘Officer #1’ due to threats - will be suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss, Outlaw announced during a briefing Tuesday afternoon. "I have made the decision to utilize Commissioner’s Direct Action to suspend Officer #1 with the intent to dismiss the officer at the end of 30 days due to violations of our use of force directive," Outlaw said. Investigators say four plain-clothed officers assigned to the South Task Force were in the area in an unmarked car as part of an ongoing investigation.Authorities have said the officers saw Siderio and a 17-year-old boy on the corner of 18th and Barbara and recognized one of them as someone wanted for questioning in another investigation. Thomas 'TJ" Siderio, 12, died Tuesday after he was shot by police. Police say the officers opened fire after their unmarked vehicle as struck by gunfire.

PHOENIX - The wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was arrested in Russia last month, thanked everyone for their support of the Phoenix Mercury center while she deals with apparent legal troubles.Cherelle Griner posted a picture Sunday of her with the basketball star and wrote a message to fans awaiting more details about the WNBA player’s incident."Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated," Cherelle Griner wrote on Instagram.

The Des Moines shooting scene (via WOI) (via WOI)DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Authorities arrested six teenagers, including a 14-year-old, in a shooting outside a school that killed a 15-year-old boy and seriously wounded two teenage girls, Des Moines police said Tuesday.The suspects are each charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the Monday afternoon shooting on the grounds of East High School, near Des Moines’ downtown, about a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) from the Capitol. Police said gunshots fired outside the school came from several shooters from multiple vehicles.Police named the suspects as Octavio Lopez, 17; Henry Valladares-Amaya, 17; Manuel Buezo, 16; Romero Perdomo, 16; Alex Perdomo, 15; and Nyang Chamdual, 14.

The vast majority of adverse events (92%) recorded after people received the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during the first 6 months of the US vaccine rollout were mild and transient, according to an observational study published yesterday in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

banned Russian oil imports.Prices at the pump were rising long before Russia invaded Ukraine and have spiraled faster since the start of the war. The U.S.

GENEVA - An expert group convened by the World Health Organization said Tuesday it "strongly supports urgent and broad access" to booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine amid the global spread of omicron, capping a reversal of the U.N. agency’s repeated insistence last year that boosters weren't necessary for healthy people and contributed to vaccine inequity.In a statement, WHO said its expert group concluded that immunization with authorized COVID-19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe disease and death amid the continuing spread of the hugely contagious omicron variant.

WHO has issued an appeal for funding to support Ukraine’s health services and care for the country’s refugees. To learn more, or to donate, visit the WHO Foundation.

A box of human heads was stolen from medical researchers in Denver, Colorado, after a training event and remains missing, the donor company and authorities said this week. The theft occurred sometime between 2:30 p.m. local time on March 2 and 9:30 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and members of the department’s executive team will provide an update on the police shooting that left a 12-year-old boy dead last week. Outlaw will speak in the lobby of the Police Administrative Building at 2 p.m. The press conference comes exactly one week after the shooting that killed Thomas Siderio near 18th and Barbara Streets on the night of March 1. According to investigators, four officers assigned to the South Task Force were in an unmarked car in the area of 18th and Johnston Streets as part of an ongoing investigation.Authorities have said that the officers saw two males on the corner of 18th and Barbara Streets and as they approached with police lights flashing, the juvenile fired a gun at officers. Thomas 'TJ" Siderio, 12, died Tuesday after he was shot by police. Police say the officers opened fire after their unmarked vehicle as struck by gunfire.

BARTOW, Fla. - A Florida teacher was suspended, reassigned to a different school and now faces charges after being accused of biting two students over a jar of pickles. A spokesperson with Polk County Public Schools in Bartow, Florida, said a complaint affidavit of two counts of battery was filed against Rhonda Rice, who used to be a teacher at Bartow Middle School.The school district said last November, two students reported that Rice bit their arms as they tried to grab a jar of pickles away from her. Rice told the school district she was "playing both students over the jar of pickles" and when they grabbed it, she "licked their arms to get them off."RELATED: Prince William County teacher charged after alleged assault against studentOne of those students is Kathy Toro’s 15-year-old nephew.

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 18: Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, is seen at a "Stop the Steal" rally against the results of the U.S. Presidential election outside the Georgia State Capitol on November 18, 2020 in Atlanta, Georg WASHINGTON - The U.S.

A Grenfell Tower Inquiry chief has been appointed as the new boss of the NHS in Greater Manchester - as the health service undergoes sweeping changes.

COVID-19 Tuesday afternoon.Jason Copping and Dr. Deena Hinshaw are scheduled to speak at 3:30 p.m.

Justin Trudeau says Canada is extending the military mission in Latvia as part of a continued NATO effort to stave off further Russian aggression following its invasion of Ukraine two weeks ago.But he offered little clarity when asked whether Canada will boost domestic spending on the military to hit the promised two per cent of GDP target agreed to by NATO allies in 2014.“We understand the urgency that is presented right now in the world with Ukrainians standing strong against this illegal Russian invasion,” Trudeau said when asked about whether Canada will increase spending to meet the NATO target and urgently replace the weapons being offered to Ukraine.“Those weapons are much more useful and in the coming weeks in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers fighting for their lives than they would be in Canadian hands.

COVID-19 cases in Eabametoong First Nation.The virus spread rapidly through the remote community located about 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., triggering a lockdown that shut stores and public facilities while residents were advised to self-isolate to prevent further infections.It all happened as the province was gradually lifting public health measures against COVID-19 and infection rates were declining in much of southern Ontario.In Eabametoong, however, about 170 of the community’s roughly 1,400 residents were ill with the virus in mid February, according to Chief Solomon Atlookan. Due to a limited number of homes and public facilities, it was a challenge for residents to isolate to curb the spread of COVID-19, he said.“It was a massive infection rate here in the community and it sort of took everybody by surprise,” Atlookan said in a phone interview.

COVID-19.The Assiniboine Park Zoo said Tuesday that it’s planning to vaccinate a total of 55 animals across species including Amur tigers, snow leopards, white-handed gibbons, squirrel monkeys, camels, goats, llamas, meerkats and more.The species that have the closest interactions with human caregivers are most at risk, as are cats and primates in general. COVID-19 — Canadian zoos prepare to vaccinate animals with experimental vaccine “Vaccination is a very common, safe and effective way of protecting animals in human care from a variety of illnesses,” the zoo’s director of veterinary services and animal welfare, Chris Enright, said in a statement.“In addition to other biosecurity protocols we have in place here at the zoo, vaccination against COVID-19 adds another layer of protection for the most vulnerable species in our care.”Enright said while there haven’t been any cases of COVID-19 diagnosed among Winnipeg’s animals, the virus has been found in other zoos — in some cases with fatal consequences.Assiniboine Park is one of a number of zoological facilities in Canada using a vaccine made specifically for animals against COVID-19.

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia’s economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, according to a person familiar with the matter."We're banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy. That means Russian oil will no longer be accepted at U.S. ports," the president announced on Tuesday.The move follows pleas by Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy to U.S.

International Women’s Day website reads. "Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?"The campaign also encourages people to share photos of themselves crossing their arms in an "x" pose to show solidarity with the cause.Here’s what to know about International Women’s Day 2022:International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8 to recognize "the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women," according to the website. It also aims to raise awareness about women’s equality issues, calls to advance gender parity, and fundraise for female-focused charities.Activists attend a vigil and rally that are part of the International Day of Women’s Climate Action, organized by the Women’s Climate Strike, to protest against the disproportionate impacts of climate disruption on women on March 8, 2022, in Edinburg International Women's Day has been observed since the early 1900's, organizers say — when the industrialized world began to see booming population growth and a rise in campaigning for change among women. In 1908, women's oppression and inequality were spurring women to become more vocal and 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.The first National Women’s Day was observed across the U.S.

Novelty Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dodgecoin tokens arranged at a cryptocurrency exchange in Hong Kong, China. (Paul Yeung/Bloomberg via Getty Images) WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden is expected to sign an executive order on cryptocurrency this week that will mark the first step toward regulating how digital currency is traded.The move comes as administration officials have raised concerns in recent weeks about Russia’s use of cryptocurrency to evade the impact of crushing sanctions in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

As the tire tracks fade from the so-called “freedom convoy” that occupied downtown Ottawa streets, some of the Telegram forums devoted to the convoy have taken up the torch of a new cause: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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COVID-19 and a two-patient drop in pandemic-related hospitalizations Tuesday.Officials say 1,252 people were hospitalized with the disease across the province, after 98 patients were admitted and 100 left in the last day.Intensive care unit cases also decreased by two for a total of 77.The province also reported 935 new novel coronavirus cases, but the daily tally isn’t an accurate representation of the current situation since screening is limited to certain high-risk groups. As Quebec continues to reopen, what to do if you have COVID-19 The latest roundup shows 11,443 tests were administered Sunday.Quebec also saw the results of 398 rapid tests added to the government’s website in the past day, including 292 positive results.

For many Canadians, a trip to the grocery store has become a daunting task. With Food prices continuing to rise, many are concerned about how they’ll be able to afford their essentials. Sharmeen Somani reports.

With some provinces lifting mask mandates and other provinces in the process of doing so, there is cautious optimism about what the pandemic will look like for spring. Dr. Alex Wong discusses the latest COVID headlines.

COVID-19 vaccine passport system starting on March 1. However, the mask mandate will remain in place.“Ontario will also lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination,” the government said.A firm date for lifting the use of masks or face coverings was not set.“Masking requirements will remain in place at this time, with a specific timeline to lift this measure to be communicated at a later date,” the government said.Capacity limits in all indoor public settings will also be eliminated.Ford made the announcement on Monday morning alongside health minister Christine Elliott and Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr.

COVID-19, as the province continues to endure the pandemic.New data released by the province on Sunday suggests 402 people were receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU), while 244 were on a ventilator. 1,704 people hospitalized in Ontario with COVID-19, 414 in intensive care The hospitalizations and ICU admissions on Sunday mark a drop from numbers reported the day earlier.On Saturday, the province said 1,704 people were hospitalized, with 414 in ICU.However, in a tweet, Ontario’s Health Minister Christine Elliott noted that not all hospitals submit data on weekends.A total of 2,265 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Ontario on Sunday.

Ontario hospital on Saturday with COVID-19, as the province continues to battle the pandemic.New data released by the province on Feb. 12 suggests a drop in the number of people in hospital from the previous day.

COVID-19 vaccine passports that are required to enter some indoor public settings such as gyms and restaurants or to drop the mask mandate.Christine Elliott made the comments at a press conference announcing free rapid tests, after she was pressed several time by journalists if Ontario would consider dropping the vaccine passport as Saskatchewan and Alberta recently announced.“We still need to be very careful,” Elliott said.“We are not telling the people of Ontario that this is going to remain in place forever. No.

COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at grocery stores, pharmacies and other settings.A government source with knowledge of the plan told The Canadian Press that Health Minister Christine Elliott will announce more details on Wednesday.The source said there will be a limit of one box of five tests per household per visit, though some stores might have different processes.Ontario provided free rapid antigen test kits at malls and liquor stores in December ahead of the holidays.

Ontario hospital with COVID-19 as efforts to stem the spread of the virus in the province continue.New data released by the province on Sunday also said 2,887 new cases of the virus have been detected. 2,493 people hospitalized in Ontario with COVID-19, 501 in intensive care However, experts caution that this number is likely an undercount, now that more stringent testing rules have been implemented in Ontario.To date, the province has recorded a total of 1,054,061 cases of the virus.

COVID-19, as the province continues to feel the impact of the latest wave of the pandemic.That’s according to new data released by the province on Saturday morning.The new numbers suggest a decrease of 141 hospitalizations. On Friday 2,634 people were seeking care in a hospital.