Kelowna: Latest News

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16.06.2023 / 02:07

Outrage over anti-trans tirade allegedly hurled at 9-year-old during Kelowna track meet

Okanagan elementary school student who was allegedly the focal point of a bigoted attack while she was competing in a district track meet.“This is awful. This kind of hate is not acceptable or welcome in British Columbia,” Premier David Eby said Tuesday.“Let’s keep calling out transphobia when we see it.

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‘What’s done is done’: Okanagan man one of the first in Canada to be compensated for vaccine injury

Being able to walk, albeit with orthopedic braces, is not something Ross Wightman takes for granted.

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Kelowna, B.C. woman struggling to come to terms with being treated by fake nurse

A Kelowna woman who was treated by an imposter nurse at B.C. Women’s Hospital is speaking out, saying she feels violated and that the dismissive way health officials are dealing with her situation is making it worse.

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Kelowna party boat still cruising despite B.C.’s heightened ‘circuit breaker’ restrictions

COVID-19 restrictions.Last Monday, the province announced a “three-week circuit breaker,” closing indoor dining at restaurants and indoor adult fitness classes.Provincial officials have also been telling people to continue to only socialize outside, as the province deals with a surge in new cases.It’s unclear where that leaves party boats, which do include outdoor space but can sometimes accommodate more than 10 people, which is the maximum number the province says should be gathering to socialize.The province is allowing “limited operation” of limos and party buses “subject to restrictions respecting hours of operation and distancing of passengers.” ‘Raging’ private restaurant party at B.C.

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Coronavirus: Downward trend of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Okanagan continues

confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Okanagan resumed its downward trend.According to data from the B.C. Centre of Disease Control, there were 69 cases throughout the Okanagan region from Feb.

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Coronavirus: Interior Health ready for phase two of COVID-19 vaccination rollout

Optimism for ‘normal’ summer as B.C. enters phase 2 of vaccine rollout But with 175,000 British Columbians aged 80 and older, public health officials have broken down that demographic further based on specific age in order not to overwhelm booking call centres.Those over 90 years of age, or born in or before 1931, and Indigenous people over 65, or born in or before 1956, will be able to call and book an appointment starting March 8 with immunizations taking place the following weekSeniors over 85, or born in or before 1936 can call and book starting March 15 and on March 22, lines will open for those 80 and older.“We will reach everyone,” said Dr.

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City of Kelowna launches grant program to help local non-profits

The City of Kelowna has launched a new grant program — a one-time funding initiative — to support non-profit organizations in the sport, event and cultural sectors in the city that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19.“We recognize that ongoing measures and restrictions as a result of COVID-19 continue to impact many of our local non-profit organizations through lost ticket sales, cancelled events, festivals and full sports seasons,” said Jim Gabriel, City of Kelowna’s director of active living and culture.

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Family Day in the Okanagan

A pandemic love holiday; UBCO professor offers advice for Valentine’s Day “We encourage families to participate in any kind of physical activity — it could be exploring Kelowna’s trails and parks or having a family dance party in the living room,” the city said on its website.Photos can also be emailed to [email protected] city said six winners will be randomly selected to win a $50 gift certificate to the Local Gift Card.Meanwhile, Penticton is celebrating the long weekend by offering a specialized bingo game.Families can explore the city’s 22 public art sculptures with their household bubble, take photos and mark off their bingo sheet.Residents can use the hashtag #PenFamilyDay to enter a contest to win a 90-minute skate for one

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Coronavirus: Okanagan man opposes anti-maskers in Kelowna

Another anti-restriction protest happened in Kelowna this weekend, but this time, one Okanagan man took it upon himself to protest against the crowd of COVID-19 conspiracy believers.“Truly, it’s an honour to be out here supporting science and the front-line workers,” said David Crawford, a Kelowna resident.“What I think they are doing is insulting to the people that are suffering from the disease, have died from the disease and the people working hard to eradicate the disease.”Crawford said he’s been visiting these anti-lockdown rallies for a few weeks, holding his own signs mocking the anti-maskers.He was holding signs that said ‘ignorance ahead’ and ‘ yay science, yay vaccines’. COVID-19 pandemic pushing B.C.

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Coronavirus: Hundreds attend anti-restriction rally in downtown Kelowna

Salmon Arm RCMP issue hefty fine to anti-mask rally organizer One female protester’s sign was a simple white sign with a cutout resembling an old TV, and the words “we are the news.”Some protesters also carried Canadian flags, with one man walking on stilts.The march down Bernard Avenue brought westbound traffic to a halt.It’s unknown how many people were in attendance, nor where they came from, but it’s believed the protesters hailed from the south Okanagan to Salmon Arm.Protests against provincial health orders have been happening regularly in Kelowna, but this rally was by far the largest to date.Global News was on scene, with one male protester saying “the fake news is here,” then later adding “you’re not welcome here,” though the

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Mental Health Monday: Managing holiday stress

COVID-19 pandemic continues to deepen.“In pre-pandemic days about 2.5 percent of our population indicated having suicidal thoughts in the past year and in our latest wave of data we now see that it is sitting at 10 percent,” said UBC researcher Emily Jenkins.“The implications that this has, to move from suicidal thinking into suicidal actions especially as the pandemic conditions persist, is what is quite worrying right now,” Jenkins added.And while Christmas is supposed to be a joyful time of year, for some it can increase those feelings of despair, stress and anxiety.“There is just so much that is piled on people in terms of shopping, food preparation, holiday making,” said Margaret Eaton the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health

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Coronavirus: 81 more cases announced for Interior Health region

COVID-19 in the Interior Health region on Friday afternoon.Along with the new cases, Interior Health said there are 631 active cases that are isolating, along with 16 people in hospital, including four in intensive care.The number of deaths in the region since the pandemic began remained at four. B.C.

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Coronavirus: Entire class at Kelowna elementary school told to self-isolate after exposure case

Central Okanagan school has been told to self-isolate following a potential exposure case.On Thursday night, Central Okanagan Public Schools announced single exposure cases at three Kelowna schools: Casorso Elementary, Watson Road Elementary and KLO Middle School.On Friday, the school district gave more information regarding the Casorso exposure, stating a full class is being excluded from school. Coronavirus — List of B.C.

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Coronavirus: Resident in Kelowna long-term care home dies from COVID-19

coronavirus outbreak at a long-term care home in the Okanagan.The person was a resident at Mountainview Village in Kelowna. It’s believed to be the first long-term care home death in the Interior Health region.The Good Samaritan Society operates the 90-resident long-term care facility and it says it is working closely with Interior Health to mitigate all other possible transmission of the virus. B.C.

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Airport industry group calls for aid as pandemic lockdown chokes off revenue

Rapid COVID-19 testing trialed at Vancouver International Airport The federal government has indicated its willingness to provide a sector-specific aid package for the airline industry, but has not shared any details about its plans.In March, Canada waived ground rents through the end of 2020 for airports that pay rent to the federal government, but the industry is awaiting more support.James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, said his airport is on track to run out of cash by the end of the year, even after laying off 30 per cent of the airport’s staff earlier this year.The pandemic has crushed revenue streams like parking and landing fees, which the airport uses to meet its operating expenses. “I’m faced with the

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Coronavirus: First Interior Health care home resident infected with COVID-19

coronavirus have been detected at the Mountainview Village care home in Kelowna, B.C., including one resident.The unfortunate milestone marks the first time a senior living at a care home in the Interior Health region has come down with COVID-19. Three COVID-19 outbreaks declared at long-term care homes in B.C.’s Southern Interior All other care home outbreaks in the B.C.

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Efforts underway to pull off Okanagan’s largest toy drive despite actual event being cancelled

Kelowna in giving spirit this holiday season with Tiny Tim Breakfast toy drive “It’s something that really kind of gets us all in the festive spirit so it won’t be the same this year,” said Dale Sivucha, general manager of the Coast Capri Hotel.The event, now in its 20th year, benefits the Salvation Army and is that organization’s largest toy drive.“Last year was a record for us,” Sivucha said. “We collected 1,394 toys and just shy of $4000 in cash donations.” All major B.C.

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Kelowna, B.C., woman arrested after COVID-19 mask dispute at Value Village

Anti-masker allegedly spits on Penticton liquor store employee, damages his cell phone “Frontline officers attended the location but despite numerous efforts by officers, the woman refused to leave the store,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy on Monday.She was taken into custody for allegedly causing a disturbance and obstructing a police officer.During the arrest, the woman allegedly struck the officers several times, screamed, and refused to cooperate, police said.She was later released on conditions for a future court date.

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Coronavirus: Okanagan charity puts out plea for donations after fundraising event cancelled

Mississippi family to speak at Okanagan-based charity event “We give money to an orphanage there and also a creche,” board member Mike Hill said. “So the money goes there to help with basic school needs and food.

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Interior Health preparing for COVID-19 vaccination distribution

COVID-19 vaccine may be approved for use in Canada, Interior Health (IH) is preparing ahead of time to roll out a vaccination program.That planning includes discussions of which groups to prioritize when immunization is able to start. Canada’s coronavirus vaccine rollout: Who will get it first? Chief Medical Health Officer Dr.

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Interior Health defends handling of COVID-19 school exposures

there have been concerns raised about the lack of information about the numbers of positive cases at a given school. A parent at Kelowna Secondary School told Global News she’d like more information about the numbers of cases at that school so she can better determine if she should sent her child to class.

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Parent concerns grow as cases of COVID-19 climb at Kelowna Secondary School

COVID-19.The first case at the Central Okanagan’s largest highschool was first announced at the end of October and since there have been multiple cases including the most recent two declared over the weekend.“I know personally of people who have children that have tested positive and have multiple people in their friend’s circle that have also tested positive that attend the school,” said Roberta, a parent of a student at KSS, who didn’t want her full name used for fear of any repercussions involving her son. COVID-19-stricken B.C.

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Coronavirus: Possible exposure at Kelowna Family YMCA, Interior Health says

COVID-19 attended the pool at the Kelowna Family YMCA on the evening of Nov. 3.The possible exposure is limited to the pool area.

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Coronavirus: Okanagan businesses concerned with financial futures amid pandemic

Small businesses that have survived the pandemic so far are now facing more challenges as COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise within the province.Dave Willoughby, owner of Doc Willoughby’s Pub in downtown Kelowna, says it’s been a struggle to stay afloat.“Without the federal funding that we’ve received with the wage subsidies and other grants through the bank – we wouldn’t have been able to stay open,” said Willoughby.“We’ve had to work hard to keep a level of business where it makes sense to stay open.” B.C.

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Kelowna high school reports third confirmation of COVID-19

COVID-19, according to School District 23.The case appears unrelated to two previously announced cases at KSS, home to the Okanagan’s largest school population, according to a release sent out to media on Tuesday night.Interior Health‘s website states the third case created an exposure event on Oct. 28, 29, and 30 at KSS.

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Coronavirus: KF Aerospace in Kelowna forced to downsize due to COVID-19

COVID-19.The Kelowna-based company made the announcement on Friday. Canadian airlines cancel hundreds of flights as hopes fade for spike in demand KF Aerospace has been in operation in the Okanagan for 50 years.“When our airline customers were grounded in mid-March, we were immediately impacted, losing nearly 50 per cent of our sceduled work as these airlines grounded their planes and cancelled maintenance,” said KF Aerospace president Tracy Medve.KF managed to avoid layoffs for more than six months, but due to the poor long-term outlook in aviation, the company finally took action.Through a combination of voluntary long-term leaves, resignations, retirements and layoffs, staff was reduced by about 14 per cent, or 150 people.

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Coronavirus: Interior Health urges influenza vaccination

Interior Health’s president and CEO Susan Brown wrote a letter to the public, explaining how the influenza vaccine could possibly help B.C.’s health-care system in the coming weeks.“So far, Interior Health has been fortunate that our health-care system has kept up to the demands of COVID-19. But I can share with you, we are seeing challenges in some places, such as testing sites and labs, and we have entered a fragile time with the cooler weather,” she wrote.“We need to avoid the influx of really sick patients with influenza, which, combined with COVID-19 pressures, could push our health-care system to the edge.

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Coronavirus: Kelowna cancels 2020 Winter Street Market

For the last three years, the Downtown Kelowna Association has hosted a family-oriented winter event in the heart of Kelowna.Thousands would typically congregate in the city’s downtown core to celebrate the beginning of winter.However, this year’s annual Winter Street Market has now been cancelled.

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Church elder ‘shocked’ by COVID-19 outbreak at his Kelowna church

Fifth COVID-19 case linked to Kelowna, B.C. church outbreak MacBeth said the church has been in contact with those who’ve contracted COVID-19.“Some are doing fine, it was relatively mild.

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Kelowna Motionball Marathon of Sport raises $60,000 for Special Olympics

UBC Okanagan students join Special Olympians for Motionball fundraiser In Kelowna so far this year participants have raised almost $60,000, an amount that was celebrated at numerous viewing parties when the virtual opening ceremonies were held.Special Olympian Connor Kiester and his mother, Tina Kiester, tuned into the opening ceremony from home.“He has learned a lot just getting out and being more social,” said Tina Kiester.

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Bernard Avenue in Kelowna reopens to street traffic on Tuesday

Downtown Kelowna to feature ‘new look’ with Bernard Avenue patio program starting June 29 The plan to block off the downtown street from the Sails sculpture to St. Paul Street came amid the province’s plan to move to Phase 3 of COVID-19 restrictions.Blocking off the street allowed restaurants and pubs with seating restrictions to greatly expand their patio spaces.

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Masks now mandatory on BC Transit buses

Kelowna emergency crews respond after cyclist, bus collide on Glenmore Road Passengers will be expected to supply their own masks.Officials said the policy is an educational step and will not be enforced.

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Coronavirus: Exposure warning issued for Catcus Club in downtown Kelowna

coronavirus has been issued for patrons of a downtown restaurant in Kelowna.On Tuesday, Interior Health said those who visited the Cactus Club bar on Water Street on Saturday, Aug. 8, between 5 p.m.

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Coronavirus: Long weekend brings COVID-19 concerns after last outbreak in Kelowna

Another long weekend has arrived and with it comes renewed COVID-19 concerns for the Okanagan community.The concern stems from a spike in coronavirus cases in Kelowna following exposure linked to the Canada Day holiday.“My hope is after our last long weekend and what resulted, we learned our lesson,” Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran told Global News on Thursday.“I hope that everyone that lives and visits here, will really think twice before they do anything.” ‘Our COVID summer’: B.C.’s top doctor urges caution over B.C.

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Coronavirus: Interior Health to change way it counts Kelowna outbreak

coronavirus cases linked to the Kelowna outbreak has shifted into the community, according to Interior Health.On Wednesday evening, Interior Health announced that it will be redefining the numbers, stating “we now know the situation has shifted into more broad community transmission beyond these initial cases in downtown Kelowna.”As a result, the health agency said it will be reporting “the number of cases occurring across Kelowna, not just cases we could confirm were associated with those early July events.” B.C.

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Kelowna country dance bar OK Corral closing after more than 30 years

in a social media post on Sunday. B.C.

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Coronavirus: Okanagan photographer helping community’s unemployed

An Okanagan professional photographer has stepped up to help others in the community that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Trevor Walker, who runs his own photography business, decided he wanted to help those who have been laid off or are having trouble finding employment due to COVID-19.“I started an initiative called ‘Helping Headshots,’” Walker told Global News on Friday. “Basically, anybody that has lost their job due to COVID-19, I gave them a free photo session.” Possible COVID-19 exposure at downtown Kelowna clothing store: Interior Health According to Statistics Canada data, B.C.’s unemployment rate for July is around 13 per cent.B.C.’s economy added around 118,000 jobs in July as the province started to slowly

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Another Kelowna, B.C., business identified as possible site for COVID-19 exposure

COVID-19.Anyone who attended Browns Socialhouse on Harvey Avenue on July 13 or from July 16 to 19 are asked to monitor themselves closely for symptoms, and to get tested if they show up. B.C.

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Pub and restaurant in Kelowna, B.C., close temporarily after workers test positive for COVID-19

COVID-19.The Train Station Pub on Ellis Street said in a social media post the last day the employee worked was Tuesday, July 14.The business was informed of the test results on Sunday, and says it has reached out to the Interior Health Authority for further direction.

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Coronavirus: City of Kelowna concerned about hospital outbreak

COVID-19 has now made its way to Kelowna General Hospital.“We did confirm yesterday that we have six staff members at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) that have tested positive for COVID-19,” said Dr. Sue Pollock, Interior Health’s interim chief medical health officer.

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Pedestrian traffic down in downtown Kelowna following coronavirus advisory

Kelowna is six days removed from Interior Health’s advisory of potential COVID-19 exposures in the downtown area.Establishments on Bernard Avenue, near the waterfront of Okanagan Lake, are saying they’re experiencing a dip in business following the advisory.

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Coronavirus: UBC Okanagan teams up with Kelowna-based company for air-filtration machine

Medical facilities around the world are learning to adapt to a new norm with the coronavirus pandemic.One newfound difficulty is controlling air particles that are created by pressure, such as teeth cleaning at the dentist.These air particles, also known as aerosols, are a major concern for medical facilities as they could spread COVID-19.

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IHA adds more Kelowna locations to possible COVID-19 exposure

New concerns about how COVID-19 was spread in Kelowna In a news release issued to media Sunday evening, IHA asked that anyone who may be showing symptoms get tested.On July 11, IHA advised that people who attended gatherings at the Discovery Bay Resort on Sunset Drive in downtown Kelowna between July 1 and July 5, as well as the Boyce Gyro Beach Lodge on Lakeshore Road self-isolate and monitor for COVID related symptoms. Interior Health issues coronavirus advisory for downtown Kelowna, B.C.

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Coronavirus: Interior Health says COVID-19 advisory and identification not criticism of resorts

Interior Health says it is investigating “a couple of house parties” following Friday’s health warning of possible coronavirus exposure. Interior Health issues coronavirus advisory for downtown Kelowna, B.C.

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Health officials probing house parties in wake of Kelowna COVID-19 exposure advisory

Interior Health says it is investigating “a couple of house parties” following Friday’s health warning of possible coronavirus exposure.Issued Friday afternoon, the advisory said people who visited Kelowna between June 25th and July 6th may have been exposed to COVID-19.The advisory said eight people who had tested positive for coronavirus had attended private gatherings and visited businesses in the downtown and waterfront areas. Interior Health issues coronavirus advisory for downtown Kelowna, B.C.

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Kelowna to roll out annual Pianos in Parks program this month

coronavirus protocols.The program sees pianos placed in high-profile locations, where the public can play them for free, from mid-July to early September.According to the City of Kelowna, the program, created in 2015, was designed “to animate and decorate public spaces through community interaction.” Pianos in Parks returns to Kelowna Normally, city staff place eight pianos around Kelowna.

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Masks mandatory at planned ‘Justice for Mona Wang’ protest in Kelowna

coronavirus public health recommendations, wearing masks will be mandatory for those planning to attend a scheduled protest in Kelowna on Saturday afternoon.The ‘Justice for Mona Wang’ protest is scheduled to take place in the downtown core at Stuart Park, from 1 to 3 p.m.Last month, disturbing video was released of a Kelowna police officer dragging the handcuffed nursing student during a mental-health wellness check in January.The video sparked immediate outrage, and an online petition was quickly started which led to rallies being organized. As of Saturday morning, more than 370,000 people had signed the petition.

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Coronavirus: City of Kelowna expands online services

The City of Kelowna has made it easier to access some of its services online as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “Recent changes to the City’s homepage make it so residents can more quickly and easily report an issue, and request or access services online,” city staff said in a news release.New buttons on the homepage organize services into four groups, such as applying for things like building permits, paying for things like parking tickets, reporting issues like potholes or noise, and looking up information such as council meetings and track pickup schedules.

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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