Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.
Top headlines:
- Trudeau won’t state a position on COVID-19 patent waivers
- Canada’s economy shed 207,000 jobs in April amid a third wave
- Here’s how to know if you’re at risk of developing a rare blood clot after the AstraZeneca shot
There have been 1,273,171 cases of COVID-19 reported in Canada. 24,529 people have died and another 1,166,428 have recovered. There are currently 3,973 patients in hospitals due to COVID-19, 1,397 of whom are in the ICU. At least 15,325,173 single doses of vaccine have been administered to date, about 85 per cent of the country’s available supply.
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 • Tracking vaccine doses • Lockdown rules and reopening • Vaccine distribution plan • Four vaccines approved in Canada • Essential resources
Photo of the day
Coronavirus in Canada
- The number of COVID-19 infections in Nova Scotia hit another record daily high of 227 cases as the province announced a further tightening of the lockdown imposed 10 days ago.
- In Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney says the federal government should lobby the United States to send surplus COVID-19 vaccines to Canada.
- Ontario reported 3,166 new cases of COVID-19 today and 23 more deaths linked to the virus.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would not state a position on the subject of patent waivers for COVID-19 vaccines.
- The Prime Minister avoided directly responding to questions from reporters and instead said that Canada is working to build a consensus at the World Trade Organization, where the issue is being debated.
- A coalition of members of Parliament from different parties held a news conference on Friday urging Trudeau to support the waiver first proposed by India and South Africa in October.
- The measure has the support of more than 100 countries, but is languishing at the WTO, where it requires unanimous support from 164 members to pass.
COVID-19 vaccines: I got my first shot of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. How do I know if I’m at risk of developing a rare blood clot?
COVID-19 vaccines: Despite mixed messages on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, many are still eager to get their shot.
COVID-19 and Ramadan: For Muslims around the world, this Ramadan marks the second during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, it comes squarely in the third wave, with gatherings held in ways that respect pandemic restrictions.
Coronavirus around the world
- The World Health Organization has approved emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by China’s Sinopharm. The move opens the possibility that millions of doses of the shot could be included in the UN-backed COVAX program.
- As more than 4,000 people die of COVID-19 each day in India, the number of “COVID orphans” – young children who have lost parents to coronavirus – is growing by the dozens every day.
Coronavirus and business
After postponing its annual marketing event, Prime Day, in Canada over workplace outbreaks of COVID-19, Amazon did not respond to questions about how many of its workers are currently infected or isolating because of COVID-19. The company declined to respond to questions about access to paid sick-leave benefits.
- Peel Region, which has one of the highest community COVID-19 positivity rates in Canada, is home to a number of Amazon’s major fulfillment centres.
- The region’s public health unit partly closed three Amazon fulfillment centres – two in Brampton and one in Caledon – in the last two weeks under its order to shut workplaces with five or more cases of COVID-19.
Also today: Canada’s labour recovery saw a setback as the economy shed 207,000 jobs in April amid the third wave of COVID-19.
And: The head of the World Trade Organization says that support from the United States on COVID-19 vaccine patent waivers will encourage further talks on the issue.
Globe opinion
- Daniel Kalla: The “vaccine hesitant” are a threat to society. But we must show them compassion
- Doug Saunders: The world needs to save India – even though India could have saved the world
- Eric Reguly: Suspending COVID-19 vaccine patents is morally correct, but won’t move the supply needle much
More reporting
- The chief executive officer at Air Canada called for an end to hotel quarantines after the company posted a $1-billion loss.
- Gymnastics Canada will not send a team to a last-chance Olympic qualifier over COVID-19 concerns.
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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