Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.
Top headlines:
- G7 leaders and the UN Security Council will discuss fair access to vaccines this week
- COVID-19 cases are dropping in many parts of the world, including Canada, according to the World Health Organization
- New York is suing Amazon over COVID-19 safety protocols
In the last 7 days, 20,192 cases were reported, down 17 per cent from the previous 7 days. There were 431 deaths announced, down 34 per cent over the same period. At least 2,362 people are being treated in hospitals and 779,766 others are considered recovered.
About 86 per cent of the 1,538,860 doses of vaccine distributed to provinces have been administered. That’s 3.5 doses for every 100 people in Canada.
Sources: Canada data is compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data is from Johns Hopkins University.
Coronavirus explainers: Coronavirus in maps and charts • Lockdown rules and reopening • Canada’s vaccine distribution plan • Developing/approved vaccines • Pfizer’s vaccine, explained • Essential resources
Photo of the day
A parishioner receives ashes on her head during Ash Wednesday, as part of new protocols during the pandemic in Mexico City, Mexico on February 17.EDGARD GARRIDO/Reuters
Coronavirus in Canada
- Newfoundland and Labrador reported 44 new coronavirus cases, as the entire province is under lockdown in an effort to contain the coronavirus outbreak that first appeared in the St. John’s region last week.
- A judge in British Columbia dismissed the government’s application for an injunction against three churches failing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, saying the province has the power to escalate enforcement. Meanwhile, as many as 6,000 people are likely to miss their COVID-19 booster shot within the target of 42 days.
- Despite a heavy provincial death toll from coronavirus, Quebec’s François Legault remains the most popular premier in Canada, with an approval rating above 60 per cent as recently as December. Meanwhile, new modelling suggests variant infections could surge in Montreal in March.
- In Ontario, the top doctors in Toronto and Peel Region are asking the province to keep the stay-at-home order and other restrictions in place for another two weeks, citing concerns over new variants.
- An Alberta pastor remains in custody after being charged by police a second time with breaking COVID-19 public health rules.
In Canada, coronavirus cases are falling; new infections plunged from 57,519 in the week beginning Jan. 4 to 20,776 in the past week – a 64-per-cent drop.
- Canada’s drop in coronavirus cases is similar to a global decrease in cases recently. Observers say there are many possible reasons: Stronger public-health measures, stricter adherence to the rules borne out of fear of faster-spreading variants, and the natural seasonality of coronaviruses could all be responsible for the drop.
Indigenous priority: The provinces should prioritize Indigenous people in their COVID-19 vaccination programs, Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said.
COVID-19 vaccines: Health Canada is not yet ready to make a decision about approving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Coronavirus around the world
- South Africa will share its unused doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine with the African Union, the country’s health minister said.
- U.S. President Joe Biden put pressure on Republican lawmakers with a prime-time town hall for his $1.9-trillion coronavirus aid package.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa became one of the first people to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
Coronavirus and business
New York is suing Amazon over worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The lawsuit alleges that Amazon failed to disinfect facilities when infected workers had been present; didn’t contact workers when they were exposed to the virus; and made employees work so much that they didn’t have time to disinfect their workstations or stay socially distant.
- The pandemic has exposed how Amazon, the U.S.’s second-largest private employer, treats its workers who pack and ship orders.
Also today: The response to COVID-19 has driven a $24-trillion increase in global debt, a new study from the Institute of International Finance shows.
And: Retail sales figures in the United States rose sharply in January, after households received additional pandemic relief money from the government.
Globe opinion
- Editorial: During a press conference, Ontario’s chief pandemic science advisor left no doubt that Premier Doug Ford’s plan to lift the province’s stay-at-home order and reopen many businesses flies in the face of evidence and experience. The move is premature, and it risks setting off a third wave.
- Bram Rochwerg: We need to prepare people for vaccine unfairness. Once the vaccines start to get out there, some people who have had their shots will start visiting their friends. Others who are lower down the line will have to watch and wait.
- Darren Gilmour: The Royal Society of Canada’s task force on COVID-19 mobilizes a diverse group of experts across Canada to strengthen public dialogue and to provide peer-reviewed evidence and recommendations for decision-makers.
More reporting
- Curling Canada’s Calgary bubble to debut with Tournament of Hearts on Friday
- The Liberal government’s plan to spend up to $100-billion on postpandemic stimulus measures is coming under increased scrutiny
Information centre
- How well do vaccines work? Here’s what you need to know.
- Rob Carrick’s 10-point checklist of things you should have done by now to protect or improve your money situation. Tips for minimizing damage to your credit score; how to manage retirement anxiety during difficult times; and things to think about if you’re considering home delivery.
- Here are the expectations for self-isolation; tips for managing anxiety and protecting your mental health; and what to do if you think you have the virus. Wash your hands. How to break a bad habit (like touching your face). Is flying safe?
- The best foods to eat to maintain an immune system-friendly diet; and how to keep a healthy diet while working from home; four eating tips when working from home; and five mistakes that might cause you to gain unwanted weight. Here are the essentials to stock up on and how to shop safely for groceries; the best pantry staples and how to stop stress-eating.
- Find answers to your coronavirus and employment questions.
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