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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the newly discovered Omicron COVID-19 variant is “scary,” but once Canadians get through the winter, the summer will be “better.”He made the comments in a year-end interview with Red FM Toronto on Tuesday morning, following revelations from chief public health officer Dr.

Justin Trudeau Theresa Tam hospital vaccine Health

COVID-19: Case cluster identified in St. Thomas involving people experiencing homelessness

COVID-19 cases in the city that involve approximately 10 people who are experiencing homelessness.Most of the individuals identified are currently being housed at 50 Wellington St., the former Wellington Street Public School that is being utilized as a temporary isolation site.None of the cases are confirmed or suspected to be related to the newer and highly-transmissible Omicron variant, SWPH spokesperson Megan Cornwell said in an email. COVID-19: London, Ont.

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Huge COVID-19 wastewater spikes in Sask. no cause for alarm: researcher

COVID-19 wastewater numbers for three major Saskatchewan cities spiked in the past 10 days, with an increase of nearly 900 per cent in Prince Albert. But a toxicologist said the figures are no cause for alarm.That’s because that increase, and the accompanying jumps in Saskatoon and North Battleford of 614 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively, show a small increase over an even small number.They’re not symptoms of a massive surge in the virus, John Giesy told Global News.

prince Albert John Giesy city Saskatchewan covid-19 vaccine Citi

Manitoba looking to make rapid COVID-19 tests widely available, possibly for free

COVID-19 tests widely available, perhaps for free.Stefanson says she has asked public health officials to look at changing the current rules, which focus mainly on selling rapid test kits to businesses and other employers. Rapid COVID-19 testing in Manitoba sees increased demand In Nova Scotia, residents are able to get free rapid tests from pop-up locations across the province for at-home testing.Manitoba’s rising number of COVID-19 cases has brought its intensive care units to near capacity, and Stefanson has asked the federal government to provide up to 30 nurses for the next several weeks.

Nova Scotia covid-19 testing Health

Manitoba reports 164 new COVID-19 cases, 2 more deaths

COVID-19 have died and 164 new cases of the virus have been identified.New pandemic data posted on the province’s COVID-19 website Tuesday shows Manitoba now has 1,724 active cases and the province’s five-day test positivity rate is six per cent.

region Health county Prairie covid-19 Health reports

12 new COVID-19 cases reported in Guelph, active cases at 130

COVID-19 in Guelph on Tuesday, edging up the total case count to 5,384.The latest data shows the city has 130 active cases, with nine new recoveries also being reported.Total resolved cases stand at 5,208, while the city’s fatal case count of 46 remains unchanged after a death was reported on Monday. Guelph, Wellington County not ending states of emergency due to Omicron variant Three new cases have been reported in Wellington County, with its total case count reaching 2,306.

city Wellington covid-19 vaccine reports

COVID-19: London, Ont. mayor calls on province to make rapid tests easier to access

dominant strain.During the Middlesex London Health Unit’s COVID-19 media briefing on Monday, acting medical officer of health Dr. Alex Summers told reports that he considers the COVID-19 Omicron variant to be the dominant variant in the region.This comes after the Ontario government made a similar statement about the variant’s spread province-wide.With news of the more contagious variant taking over, London Mayor Ed Holder is calling for rapid COVID-19 tests to be made more readily available.

Alex Summers covid-19 testing Government

Ontario enhances COVID measures in LTC homes, all vaccinated visitors must test negative on entry

COVID-19 measures for the province’s long-term care homes that include no overnight absences and all fully immunized visitors are required to test negative upon entry.Previously, all fully vaccinated individuals were exempted from regular testing, however, beginning Dec.

covid-19 testing vaccine

COVID-19: MLHU reports 71 cases, over a third of those 80+ have had booster

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) reported 71 COVID-19 cases Tuesday but no deaths.The latest death was reported Friday, Dec. 10 and involved a woman in her 80s not associated with a long-term care or retirement home.

Canada vaccine Health reports

COVID-19: Tam says community transmission of Omicron variant occurring in Ontario

While delivering her annual report on Monday, Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam acknowledged that there is “community transmission” of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Ontario.

Theresa Tam Canada county Ontario covid-19 Health reports

Toronto police reveal possible suspect video for unsolved murders of Barry and Honey Sherman

Toronto police have released a video of a possible suspect wanted in connection with the double homicide investigation of billionaire couple Barry and Honey Sherman from 2017.Brandon Price, a detective with the Toronto police homicide squad, held a press conference Tuesday morning asking anyone who recognizes the person in the video to come forward.In the roughly 20-second video, a person dressed in dark clothing can be seen walking down a sidewalk on a snow-covered night in the neighbourhood.It was four years ago on Dec. 15, 2017, when the couple’s real estate agent found the Shermans dead in their mansion on Old Colony Road, near Bayview Avenue and Highway 401.

death Pool reports murders

School sports put on pause in Waterloo Region due to COVID-19 Omicron variant

COVID-19 pandemic.“Effective immediately, based on the direction of Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo, all Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) sports are directed to pause all games and practices until January 3, 2022,” a statement from the WRDSB read.

Hsiu-Li Wang city Waterloo covid-19 sports Health

COVID-19: Guelph, Wellington County not ending states of emergency due to Omicron variant

committing to doing so last month because of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.The two governments made the announcement on Nov. 10 but said orders would only be dropped if cases and hospitalizations continue to decline and if vaccines are available to children under the age of 12.

hospital covid-19 vaccine

Ontario reports 1,429 new COVID cases as test positivity hits 7-month high

COVID cases on Tuesday, as case counts continue to rise over the last week and test positivity has reached a seven-month high. The provincial case total now stands at 635,112.For comparison, last Tuesday saw 928 new cases and the previous Tuesday saw 687.

vaccine patient reports

‘Clown… edgelord… showman’: Elon Musk named Time’s ‘Person of the Year’

With Tesla’s large success in the energy sector, while SpaceX charts new courses in exploring the cosmos, entrepreneur Elon Musk has been named Time magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’ for 2021. But the polarizing billionaire has also caused a fair share of controversy and criticism, so how did he get the title? Eric Sorensen explains.

Eric Sorensen Elon Musk spaceX

Pfizer’s vaccine 70% effective against hospitalization from omicron: study

Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination provides just 33 per cent protection against infection by the omicron variant of the coronavirus, but 70 per cent protection against hospitalization, according to a large-scale analysis in South Africa released Tuesday.The first large-scale analysis of vaccine effectiveness in the region where the new variant was discovered appears to support early indications that omicron is more easily transmissible and that the Pfizer shot isn’t as effective in protecting against infection as it was against the delta variant.The analysis was based on more than 211,000 positive COVID-19 test results, 41 per cent from adults who had received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

South Africa hospital vaccine infection

Christmas: Must-see decorated houses in the Hamilton area

Active Parents, has put together another extensive map with some of the best holiday-themed homes spanning Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville.The parent resource website is accepting entries for its Christmas map which has added close to 50 of the best and brightest displays, so far.A post shared by ThingsToDo in Halton+Hamilton (@activeparentsca)“Families are absolutely loving our map again this year,” Rohal told Global News.“What we thought was going to only be a ‘workaround’ in response to COVID last year has turned into a beautiful tradition for families and Christmas enthusiasts alike.”Similar to previous incarnations, the map is made up from a collaboration of homeowners submitting photos and addresses. If you decide to embark on a

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Ontario’s top doctor to provide COVID update Tuesday

COVID-19 in the province today.Dr. Kieran Moore is holding a news conference at 3 p.m.The briefing comes as more local public health units are imposing stricter health measures or issuing additional guidance to residents in light of the fast-spreading Omicron variantPeterborough is the latest region to instruct workplaces to have all non-essential staff to work from home if possible, as part of new measures set to take effect on Wednesday.

Kieran Moore covid-19 doctor Health

Omicron: Caradoc Public School is the latest to halt in-person classes

COVID-19.The Thames Valley District School Board announced Monday night that “the numerous close contacts from a confirmed case of COVID-19 with potential links to the Omicron variant” has resulted in “operational challenges.” Omicron quarantine halts in-person classes at 2 London, Ont. schools The school is moving to virtual learning as of Tuesday, with in-person learning expected to resume after the winter break, on Monday, Jan.

covid-19 outbreak quarantine

Bank of Canada to maintain current inflation mandate: Freeland

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Monday that the Bank of Canada and federal government had renewed its inflation targeting mandate for five years, with the central bank keeping its inflation target at two per cent. However, Freeland added that If needed, the bank would allow inflation to sit closer to either end of its one to three per cent target range for short periods in relation to fluctuations in the labour market and global economy.

Chrystia Freeland Canada economy Government Target

N.B. teen who was in ICU with COVID-19 speaks out

A New Brunswick teen who contracted COVID-19 and ended up in the ICU fighting for her life is sharing her story so that others understand the seriousness of the virus. Travis Fortnum reports.

Travis Fortnum virus covid-19 Fighting

New Brunswick teen details death-defying fight against COVID-19

COVID-19.“I was like, ‘No way, there’s no way it was positive,’ but it was,” she says. COVID-19 — N.B.

covid-19 testing Fighting

Canada has planted only 8.5M of 2B trees promised by Trudeau so far

The federal government has planted less than half a per cent of the two billion trees it pledged to put in the ground across Canada by 2030, The Canadian Press has learned.

Justin Trudeau Canada Climate change

What the Bank of Canada’s renewed mandate means for inflation, housing

The wording of the Bank of Canada’s new mandate has changed but the substance of it remains essentially the same, several economists say.

Canada Bank of Canada inflation inflation Canada

Taxpayers footing Surrey mayor Doug McCallum’s legal costs

The City of Surrey confirms taxpayers are on the hook for mayor Doug McCallum’s legal costs as he faces a public mischief charge and as Catherine Urquhart reports, it’s unclear if taxpayers will be reimbursed in the event the mayor is found guilty.

Catherine Urquhart Doug Maccallum reports Citi

Indonesia issues tsunami warning after 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits region

Indonesia issued a tsunami warning after an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck its region of East Nusa Tenggara, the meteorological department said.

Indonesia Earthquake

Omicron’s community transmission could ‘rapidly escalate’ in coming days, Tam warns

The Omicron COVID-19 variant could ramp up its spread through Canadian communities in the coming days, chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam warned on Monday.

Theresa Tam Canada county Ontario covid-19 covid ontario

YVR holiday travel warning

Holiday travellers are being warned to expect added delays and hassle as the emergence of the Omicron variant is triggering a fresh round of testing requirements and international restrictions. Aaron McArthur reports.

Aaron Macarthur testing travelers reports

Medically Assisted Death

A legislative committee of 12 Quebec MNAs is seeking medically assisted death for Alzheimer’s patients. Liberal MNA and Vice-chair of the Select Committee on the Evolution of the Act respecting end-of-life care David Birnbaum speaks with Global’s Laura Casella.

Laura Casella death patient

Trudeau says feds ‘very concerned’ over Omicron COVID-19 outlook

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that the federal government was “very concerned” about the outlook provided on Friday by Canada’s top doctor Theresa Tam about the Omicron COVID-19 variant. He encouraged people to get vaccinated or get their booster shot, and asked people to do what is needed to minimize risks during the holidays.

Justin Trudeau Theresa Tam Canada covid-19 Government Provident

Good news on COVID-19 hospitalizations, growing concerns about Vancouver Island

Global’s Keith Baldrey on the good news about a drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations, but growing concerns about Vancouver Island.

Keith Baldrey county Island city Vancouver, county Island hospital covid-19

COVID-19: B.C. reports 1,129 cases over three days and five deaths

B.C. health officials have released a written statement for Monday, Dec. 13 COVID-19 numbers. Legislative bureau chief Keith Baldrey has the details, including new information about outbreaks in Comox and Victoria.

Keith Baldrey covid-19 death reports FIVE

Nova Scotia restrictions return as Omicron cases surge in Atlantic Canada

Omicron cases are surging across Canada, prompting Nova Scotia to reimpose restrictions. Ross Lord explains how a spike in Atlantic Canada is being traced to an outbreak at one university, and how some schools are taking action to control the spread of the virus.

Nova Scotia Canada county Atlantic virus outbreak Action

U.K. declares emergency, ramps up third doses as Omicron spreads

The United Kingdom is reintroducing some restrictions and ramping up third vaccine doses, as the country reports its first death from Omicron.

Crystal Goomansingh Britain death vaccine reports

Canada’s health-care system braces for impact from Omicron

Cases of the Omicron variant are rising across Canada, triggering fears hospitals could once again become overwhelmed. Jamie Mauracher explains doctors’ warnings to Canadians, and the urgent message to Ottawa from chief public health officer Dr.

Jamie Mauracher Canada city Ottawa hospital Health

City of Saskatoon’s return to in-person meetings for employees, council discussed

City of Saskatoon is planning how its employees and future council meetings will return to in-person in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.During a governance and priorities committee meeting on Monday, a report on the matter was discussed via teleconference.Since a resolution was passed in March 2020, city council and committee meetings have been held remotely.A return to the workplace for city staff had been planned for Sept. 1, 2021, along with in-person council/committee meetings to resume on the same timeline.

covid-19 reports Citi

Queen’s University cancels in-person exams

Queen’s University has cancelled in-person exams due to concerns around COVID-19. Brittany Rosen reports.

Brittany Rosen covid-19 reports

Global News at 6 Saskatoon: Dec. 13

The Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, edition of Global News at 6 with Lisa Dutton on Global Saskatoon.

Lisa Dutton

Global News at 6 Regina: Dec. 13

The Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, edition of Global News at 6 with Lisa Dutton on Global Regina.

Lisa Dutton

COVID-19: Holiday travel is safe, scientist says — as long as you’re cautious about Omicron

An epidemiologist says it’s safe to travel this holiday season, even with the Omicron and Delta variants around — provided you’re fully vaccinated and very cautious.

covid-19 travelers epidemiologist

COVID-19: Medical experts, parents consider shorter interval between vaccine doses for children

COVID-19 vaccine last month, she began calling friends across the border in Lewiston, N.Y., to help her find a pharmacy in the United States where she could bring him for a second dose after three weeks.“We were just trying to figure out what we were going to do to get him his second dose in three weeks because it was really important to us,” she said.Canada’s advisory body on immunization, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), recommends eight weeks between doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11 based on emerging evidence that longer intervals between the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines result in more robust and durable immune response and higher vaccine effectiveness.Raymer Bishop

Usa Canada covid-19 vaccine Immunic

Families, medical experts weigh benefits of shorter interval between COVID vaccine doses for children

With rising COVID-19 case counts in schools, some families wonder whether getting their children fully vaccinated sooner than the eight weeks recommended by NACI is a better choice. Caryn Lieberman reports.

covid-19 experts vaccine

Booster eligibility expands to 50+ in Ontario

On the day booster eligibility expanded in Ontario, some health experts say a third dose may not be enough to stop Omicron. Erica Vella has more.

Erica Vella county Ontario experts Health

Manitoba asks feds to send ICU nurses amid worsening COVID-19 health care crisis

COVID-19.In a statement sent late Monday, a provincial spokesperson said the province has asked the federal government to provide 15 to 30 ICU nurses for roughly six weeks. Manitoba ICU doctor pens open letter aimed at repairing ‘failing’ critical care services They said the request was made over the weekend and officials are still waiting to hear back from the federal government.The request comes as a group of doctors called for military help for hospitals in an open letter to the government obtained by Global News,The letter, signed by 10 physicians in areas including critical care and rheumatology, is the latest signal that intensive care units are hard-pressed to keep up with caseloads.“Our critical-care services are failing.

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Guelph high school switching to remote learning amid COVID-19 outbreak

COVID-19 outbreak.The Upper Grand District School Board announced on Monday that all students at John F. Ross CVI will learn remotely from home for the rest of the week, with the exception of those attending specialized class placements.

covid-19 outbreak infection Learning

COVID-19: N.S. announces 40 cases of Omicron variant, gathering limits tightening

Nova Scotia is confirming 40 Omicron variant cases of COVID-19 on Monday, as the province announces 114 new cases amid a growing outbreak that began at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish.

Nova Scotia Tim Houston city Houston county St. Francis

Between 2 and 16% of Okanagan children have received vaccine after first week of rollout

Omicron’s community transmission could ‘rapidly escalate’ in coming days, Tam warns Lake Country has the lowest proportion of children vaccinated within the Central Okanagan, with five per cent having had one shot.That matches the North Okanagan as a whole.Fve per cent of children ages five to 11 in Vernon/Coldstream have received their first shot, three per cent in Lumby and two per cent in Enderby.Salmon Arm currently has a five per cent vaccination rate with one dose, while the North Okanagan /Lumby area has three per cent, Enderby has two per cent and Salmon Arm has a rate of five per cent.The South Okanagan has higher rates of immunization with 11 per cent of Summerland children reportedly having one shot, 13 per cent of Penticton

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City of Toronto delays return to office after province issues new public health advice

City of Toronto office staff will continue to work remotely come January.In a news release issued Monday, the City said it is delaying its return to office plans, which affects around 25 per cent of the City’s workforce.The statement said the decision was made after Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore released new public health advice on Friday advising employers to allow staff to work from home when possible.

Kieran Moore John Tory city Monday vaccine Health Citi

United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

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