Coronavirus Update: ‘Weird’ symptoms experienced by those with initially mild cases

Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.

Top headlines:

1. Health Canada reaffirms the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective, and is devising a warning about a rare possible side-effect of blood clots
2. ‘Long COVID’ is proving to be in some cases worse than patients’ initial bouts of infection, with stubborn, complex symptoms
3. Demand for cottages and vacation homes continues after a strong January and February, and shows no signs of abating as the pandemic fuels a real estate frenzy

In the last 7 days, 25,303 cases were reported, up 13 per cent from the previous 7 days. There were 212 deaths announced, down 1 per cent over the same period. At least 2,187 people are being treated in hospitals and 882,312 others are considered recovered.

Canada’s inoculation rate is 36th among 84 countries with a population of one million or more people.

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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

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Coronavirus in Canada

• Ontario’s science table released a report today saying that routine asymptomatic testing doesn’t prevent outbreaks in long-term care. Meanwhile, family doctors are pushing to be more involved in the province’s vaccination campaign, asking to help combat hesitancy and administer shots to seniors who cannot access mass immunization sites.
• Manitoba is loosening some restrictions, including the cap for outdoor gatherings, but will not ease other health rules as floated last week. Citing variants, the province’s top doctor said it “just wouldn’t be prudent” to ease other restrictions.
• In Quebec, Premier Francois Legault said the province is “resisting” a third wave, but said that the rising number of COVID-19 variant cases is threatening to cause a spike.
• Saskatchewan is reinstating a ban on household guests that was lifted two weeks ago in Regina over concerns about the spread of COVID-19 variants.

In Ottawa, Health Canada is certain the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19, but is planning to add a warning about a rare possible side-effect of blood clots.

• Last week, Health Canada said the benefits of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine outweigh the risks.
• The move to add a warning follows similar changes by the European Medicines Agency. At the time, the agency said it couldn’t say if the clots were related to the vaccine.
• The EMA reported 18 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, out of about 20 million people who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe, the United Kingdom and India, and seven cases of another type of clotting disorder related to very low platelet counts.

Canada-U.S. border: Canadians are still deeply wary about allowing U.S. visitors into Canada after a year of border restrictions, a new poll suggests.

Air travel: Air Canada says it will restore some service along routes to Jamaica, Mexico and Barbados beginning in early May after Canadian airlines suspended all flights to sun destinations in January at the request of the federal government.

Coronavirus around the world

• A U.S. health agency raised concerns about the data AstraZeneca reported from its latest clinical trials.
• India plans to expand its COVID-19 vaccination campaign as it battles surging infections.
• Pfizer plans to tap the mRNA technology developed in partnership with Germany-based BioNTech to develop new vaccines for other viruses.

Coronavirus and business

The Bank of Canada is ending a number of emergency programs it launched last year to stabilize markets and pump cash into the banking system.

• The central bank will end the commercial paper, provincial bond and corporate bond-buying programs this spring, along with two repo programs.

Also today: ‘This is far from normal’: Popular summer vacation areas have all seen home prices jump more than 30 per cent since the start of the pandemic. Those prices are forecast to keep rallying in 2021.

And: Bicycle shops are struggling to meet demand as the pandemic causes parts shortages.

Globe opinion

• Globe editorial board: The COVID-19 vaccines are starting to roll in. Should the oldest get them first?
• Maya Roy and Mohammed Hashim: The Atlanta shooting is just the latest incident to remind us that, if left unchecked, online hate can inflame bigotry and result in real-world violence.

More reporting

• Interactive online experiences: When you need something more tangible and concrete to sate a never-ending wanderlust
• Inmate advocates warn jail populations are rising again in some provinces, increasing COVID-19 risk
• The 2021 budget – to be tabled April 19 – will unveil a plan to spend up to $100-billion over three years on measures to restart the economy

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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