Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.
Top headlines:
- Canadians are bracing for stricter travel rules as the federal government mulls more regulations in an effort to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by new and more transmissible variants, and to clamp down on March Break travel.
- An Ontario long-term care facility that was the site of the province’s worst outbreak kept COVID-19 patients in the same rooms as those who had not yet contracted the virus, according to a new report.
- A vaccine spat is potentially escalating between the European Union and Britain as production problems in Europe could prompt the European Commission to enforce an export block. But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada’s vaccine supply is not at risk of being affected.
- What will it take for Ontario to reopen schools in COVID-19 hot zones? The provincial government hasn’t laid out plans in detail but a U.S. Centers for Disease Control report offers insight.
In the last 7 days, 37,273 cases were reported, down 18 per cent from the previous 7 days. There were 1,137 deaths announced, up 10 per cent over the same period. At least 4,085 people are being treated in hospitals and 678,068 others are considered recovered.
About 77 per cent of the 1,122,450 doses of vaccine distributed to provinces have been administered. That’s 2.3 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
Dutch police officers patrol in the streets of Rotterdam during curfew time today, a day after police clashed with groups of demonstrators protesting against the introduction of new measures, including the curfew, to fight against the spread of COVID-19. In South Rotterdam and in the city centre, several people were arrested for, among other things, gathering and not being able to show proof of identity. The police are present in the city after the riots of the day before and are checking people walking in groups on the street.STR/AFP/Getty Images
Coronavirus in Canada
- A group of doctors and researchers signed a letter calling the situation in Ontario’s long-term care facilities a humanitarian crisis, and urged the government to take urgent action. An inspection report shows Roberta Place in Barrie – where 45 people have died – failed to separate COVID-19-positive residents from those who had not yet contracted the virus. Meanwhile, 99 people in Simcoe-Muskoka likely have the COVID-19 variant.
- In B.C., the CEO who resigned from Great Canadian Gaming Corp. after an alleged attempt to get a vaccine in the Yukon, made a $45.9-million profit on stock options over the past 13 months, stock records show, and he’s due to receive another $28-million when the company is sold to a buyer this year.
- Manitoba will require all domestic travellers to self-isolate for 14 days after entering the province, citing a slowdown in the vaccine rollout and the spread of new variants.
- An Alberta company from Calgary is starting human clinical trials for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
- Nova Scotia has discovered grassroots success with COVID-19 rapid-test kits.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians should cancel non-essential travel – both internationally or even between provinces – as further restrictions are coming.
- The Prime Minister said the government is actively looking at ways to tighten the border, but will try to ensure further restrictions do not cut off the flow of trade.
Mortgage deferrals: The vast majority of mortgages that were deferred at the onset of the pandemic have now expired but most mortgage holders have resumed loan repayments, according to the Canadian Bankers Association.
COVID-19 vaccines: Black and South Asian essential workers face some of the pandemic’s worst inequities in health care, labour and housing – and some are distrustful of the governments that plan to vaccinate them. Organizers are trying to make sure they buy in to a remedy that could save their lives.
Coronavirus around the world
- The Netherlands braced for a fourth consecutive night of coronavirus anti-lockdown riots, with some shops boarding their windows.
- Britain was poised to announce its mandatory hotel quarantine plan for incoming travellers.
Coronavirus and business
Starting Monday, businesses in all sectors will be able to apply for low-interest loans backed by the federal government, if they can show a year-over-year revenue decline of 50 per cent or more for any three of the past eight months.
- The standard loan value will range from $25,000 to $1-million, and companies must also have applied for either the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to be eligible.
- The loans will have a fixed interest rate of 4 per cent with flexible repayment terms of up to 10 years. Businesses can apply through their current financial institutions, the government said.
Also today: The International Monetary Fund forecasts that COVID-19 vaccines will power 5.5 per cent of global economic growth in 2021.
And: Metro Inc. hiked its dividend payout to shareholders as grocery sales continue to surge in the pandemic, with first-quarter sales growing 6.2 per cent.
More reporting
- Johnson & Johnson expects to share its COVID-19 vaccine data next week.
- Travel bubbles could be a safe solution for holidays when we can go abroad again
- Vehicle shopping during a pandemic: How not to buy the used car of your dreams
- Students have had a tough year. Here’s how they can take control of their finances
- Canadian scientists and health professionals are launching a campaign to tackle inaccurate theories about the pandemic
- Children’s well-being is in focus as we emerge from the pandemic
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.
Sources: Canada data are compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins University and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data are from Johns Hopkins.
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