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Tag: July

  • COVID-19 update for July 4: Here’s what you need to know

    COVID-19 update for July 4: Here’s what you need to know

    Here’s your daily update with everything you need to know on the coronavirus situation in B.C. and around the world.

    Publishing date:

    Jul 04, 2022  •  5 hours ago  •  8 minute read  •  28 Comments

    Here's your daily update with everything you need to know on the coronavirus situation in B.C. and around the world.
    Here’s your daily update with everything you need to know on the coronavirus situation in B.C. and around the world. Photo by iStock/Getty Images Plus

    Here’s your update with everything you need to know on the COVID-19 situation in B.C. and around the world for July 4, 2022.

    We’ll provide summaries of what’s going on right here so you can get the latest news at a glance. This page will be updated regularly every day this week, with developments added as they happen, so be sure to check back often.

    You can also get the latest COVID-19 news delivered to your inbox weeknights at 7 p.m. by subscribing to our newsletter here.

    Here are the latest B.C. figures given on June 30 for June 19 – June 25:

    • Hospitalized cases: 273
    • Intensive care: 28
    • New cases: 620 over seven days
    • Total number of confirmed cases: 374,594
    • Total deaths over seven days: 17 (total 3,747)

    Read the full report here | Next update: July 7 at 1 p.m. (or later)

    Headlines at a glance

    • Preparations are underway to help B.C. fight any potential surges in COVID-19 this fall.
    • Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says Canadians should expect to get a booster shot every nine months for the foreseeable future as the term “fully vaccinated” no longer makes sense.
    • The third Omicron wave has begun in B.C. and is expected to increase rapidly and peak in August, says a COVID modelling expert.
    • Canada’s chief medical officer is urging those behind on their boosters to catch up now with Omicron cases expected to increase in the coming weeks but B.C. is continuing to limit those who can get a fourth dose
    • Novovax’s COVID vaccine targeting Omicron expected in late summer or fall
    • New contagious sub-variants driving COVID increases in Ottawa
    • Multiple signs point to resurgence of COVID-19 in Quebec, said health officials
    • On the eve of Canada Day, B.C. reports 273 people in hospital with COVID-19, 17 deaths over seven days
    • The federal government is extending current COVID-19 public health measures for travellers entering Canada, including the use of the ArriveCan app, until at least Sept. 30

    Latest News

    B.C. health minister says province preparing for fall COVID-19

    Preparations are underway to help B.C. fight any potential surges in COVID-19 this fall.

    Health Minister Adrian Dix says the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended and he’s urging people to continue to stay safe and ensure they have been vaccinated.

    Dix says the number of people in hospital in B.C. with COVID-19 continues to decline but that isn’t the case in other jurisdictions.

    The minister made the comments at a news conference announcing the government is seeking proposals to build a new hospital and cancer centre in Surrey.

    Dix says there are currently no immediate plans to return to a province-wide mask mandate.

    Read the full story here.

    — Canadian Press

    ‘Two doses are no longer enough’: Canadians should expect to get COVID shot every nine months, says health minister

    As we continue to live with COVID-19, turns out we will also have to get used to living with COVID-19 vaccinations.

    Canadians will be required to get a booster shot every nine months for the foreseeable future, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told reporters.

    So if you thought you were fully vaccinated, think again.

    Duclos said that the previous definitions of “fully vaccinated” makes no sense, explaining that it’s more important that shots are “up to date” and whether or not a person has “received a vaccination in the last nine months.”

    He added, “We will never be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” according to Blacklock’s Reporter.

    Read the full story here.

    — Denette Wilford, Toronto Sun

    Third Omicron wave has begun in B.C. and it’s expected to grow rapidly

    The third Omicron wave has begun and is expected to increase rapidly and peak in August, says a COVID modelling expert.

    “I think there was hope we wouldn’t have another wave until the fall, but the wave is starting now,” said Sally Otto, who advises masking up again, along with getting booster shots.

    Otto, an evolutionary biologist and mathematical modeller at the University of British ­Columbia, presented her data to the main North American ­meeting of evolutionary biologists in Cleveland, Ohio, this past week.

    Data from public health labs across Canada tracking Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 show they will soon outgrow the initial Omicron subvariants in Canada, said Otto, who is a member of the COVID-19 modelling group in B.C.

    “Right now we’re in a reasonable low point, the lowest point in 2022,” Otto said in an interview. “So we can afford to be a little more relaxed right now, but not for long, because this is rising so fast that we’re going to face a higher risk.

    “You go to the grocery store now and your risk is reasonably low. You go to the grocery store in three weeks and there is a high chance that somebody else will have COVID.”

    Read the full story here.

    — Cindy E. Harnett, Victoria Times Colonist

    COVID-19: B.C. resists offering fourth dose of vaccine to broader population

    B.C. health officials’ staunch decision to limit who gets fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses seems to be at odds with advice from Canada’s chief medical officer.

    Despite ongoing pressure to change its stance, the province is giving fourth doses only to people age 70 and older, Indigenous people over 55, and people in long-term care. Those individuals can receive their fourth dose six months after their last booster.

    Canada’s chief public health officer Theresa Tam warned Thursday that there could be a rise in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks due to highly-transmissible Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 circulating, which evade immunity more than previous variants.

    That’s why she urged those behind on their boosters to catch up now.

    She and Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos stressed the importance of up-to-date vaccination status, noting 40 per cent of Canadians still have not received a booster following their primary two shots, putting Canada behind other G7 countries when it comes to three doses.

    Tam also warned of a possible COVID-19 resurgence in the fall and winter, and said booster shots could help reduce severe outcomes and ease potential strain on the health-care system.

    Read the full story here.

    — Katie DeRosa

    CP conductor who exposed colleagues to undeclared COVID-like symptoms for days was fired despite later testing negative

    Going to work with undeclared COVID-like symptoms can derail your career, a now former Canadian Pacific train conductor learned the hard way.

    Show up to work with COVID-19 symptoms for days, dismiss your colleagues’ concerns, make “jokes” about it on social media, and you’re eligible to be dismissed even if you end up testing negative, according to a new arbitration ruling.

    On March 24, 2020, just weeks after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and the world was on high alert, CP conductor Jeff Reid went to work to conduct a train from Winnipeg to Brandon, Man., with a cough.

    The day before, Quebec and Ontario had just announced they were shutting down all non-essential businesses for the first time to curb COVID-19 transmission and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau exhorted all Canadians, particularly those with COVID-like symptoms, to “stay home.”

    Read the full story here.

    — Christopher Nardi

    About 40 per cent of Canadians haven’t got a booster shot

    Faced with sluggish enthusiasm for COVID-19 boosters, federal health officials appealed to Canadians Thursday to prepare for a possible COVID-19 resurgence in the weeks or months ahead by getting “up to date” with their vaccines.

    “What, exactly, do we mean by up-to-date vaccination? Let me be very clear,” federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said during a briefing Thursday. “Up to date means you’ve received your last dose in the past nine months.”

    Those who have received a first booster should see if they’re eligible for a second or third, Duclos.

    “But my message today, more specifically, is for those that haven’t yet received their first booster.” About 40 per cent of adult Canadians who have had two shots haven’t returned for a third.

    The immunity from two doses a person would have received in 2021 has waned, Duclos said. “While you might have gotten infected, (the) risk is high you could get reinfected, with all the downfall, including the risk of developing symptoms like long COVID.”

    But the timing, severity, or even likelihood, of a fresh wave is still uncertain, and questions around when to get boosted — now or wait for the fall — is creating confusion. Many are also asking, why not hold out for an Omicron-specific shot rather than another round of the original vaccines?

    Read the full story here.

    — Sharon Kirkey, National Post

    What are B.C.’s current public health measures?

    MASKS: Masks are not required in public indoor settings though individual businesses and event organizers can choose to require them.

    Masks are also encouraged but not required on board public transit and B.C. Ferries, though they are still required in federally regulated travel spaces such as trains, airports and airplanes, and in health care settings.

    GATHERINGS AND EVENTS: There are currently no restrictions on gatherings and events such as personal gatherings, weddings, funerals, worship services, exercise and fitness activities, and swimming pools.

    There are also no restrictions or capacity limits on restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs; and no restrictions on sport activities.

    CARE HOMES: There are no capacity restrictions on visitors to long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities, however, visitors must show proof of vaccination before visiting. Exemptions are available for children under the age of 12, those with a medical exemption, and visitors attending for compassionate visits related to end-of-life.

    Visitors to seniors’ homes are also required to take a rapid antigen test before visiting the facility or be tested on arrival. Exemptions to testing are available for those attending for compassionate visits or end-of-life care.

    How do I get vaccinated in B.C.?

    Everyone who is living in B.C. and eligible for a vaccine can receive one by following these steps:

    • Get registered online at gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated to book an appointment in your community.
    • Or, if you prefer, you can get registered and then visit a drop-in clinic in your health authority.
    • The system will alert you when it is time to go for your second dose.
    • The same system will also alert you when it is time for your booster dose.

    Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

    TESTING CENTRES: B.C.’s COVID-19 test collection centres are currently only testing those with symptoms who are hospitalized, pregnant, considered high risk or live/work with those who are high risk. You can find a testing centre using the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s testing centre map.

    If you have mild symptoms, you do not need a test and should stay home until your fever is gone. Those without symptoms do not need a test.

    TAKE-HOME RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS: Eligible British Columbians over the age of 18 with a personal health number can visit a pharmacy to receive a free take-home test kit containing five COVID-19 rapid antigen tests.

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  • The Alabama Department of Public Health shares tips on safely celebrating the Fourth of July | News

    The Alabama Department of Public Health shares tips on safely celebrating the Fourth of July | News

    As Alabamians get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July up coming week, the Alabama Division of Public Overall health (ADPH) provides recommendations on securely experiencing traditional actions which includes swimming, barbecues, fireworks, and extra.

    Fireworks

    Countless numbers of people are addressed in unexpected emergency rooms just about every 12 months for burns and injuries induced by the poor use of fireworks. To assure a secure holiday getaway, ADPH recommends leaving the fireworks displays to the industry experts. Nonetheless, if fireworks are lawful where by you stay and you make a decision to established them off on your individual, you should follow these security tips:

    • Read through and abide by all warnings and directions.
    • By no means allow little ones to engage in with or ignite fireworks.
    • Never ever use fireworks when impaired by liquor or medications.
    • Hardly ever goal or throw fireworks at one more individual.
    • Maintain a bucket of water or a back garden hose close by in scenario of a malfunction or fire.

    For more fireworks basic safety guidelines, stop by alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/getaway

    Food stuff Security

    As you get ready to hearth up your grill, be guaranteed to observe these 4 actions of food items security:

    1. Thoroughly clean your fingers, utensils, and surfaces typically.
    2. Individual raw meals these types of as meat and eggs from other objects in your grocery cart, on your counter, and in your fridge.
    3. Cook meals to the appropriate temperature. Never rely on color and texture to indicate the safety of cooked things — use a meals thermometer.
    4. Chill leftover perishables like meat, eggs, and seafood within just 2 hours of getting or cooking (or within 1 hour if the temperature is earlier mentioned 90 levels Fahrenheit).

    Uncover a lot more food stuff protection strategies, including a checklist of harmless least inner temperatures, at food and drug administration.gov/foodstuff/purchase-shop-serve-risk-free-meals/protected-food stuff-handling.

    Drinking water Safety

    If your holiday getaway plans incorporate a trip to the pool, lake, or beach front, preserve these security suggestions in head.

    Normal Swim Protection

    • Teach kids about the procedures of h2o protection.
    • Never ever enable small children to swim with out grownup supervision.
    • When supervising small children, do not interact in distracting behaviors this kind of as speaking on the phone or examining. Enjoy and hear consistently.

    Seaside Safety

    • Only swim in parts where by a lifeguard is existing.
    • Look at drinking water situations just before going in by on the lookout at the regional beach forecast (weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-forecasts) and by chatting to the lifeguard.
    • If you are caught in a rip existing, loosen up — rip currents will not pull you under. Do NOT consider to swim instantly to shore. Swim together the shoreline until you escape the current. Then swim at an angle absent from the current and in direction of the shore.

    Preventing the Spread of Waterborne Sicknesses

    • Remain out of the h2o if sick with diarrhea.
    • Do not pee or poop in the water.
    • Do not swallow the drinking water.
    • Acquire youngsters on toilet breaks or examine diapers every single hour.

    Far more balanced and secure swimming ideas can be identified at cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/ and alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/h2o.html.

    Sunshine and Heat Safety

    Too significantly publicity to the sun can be harmful in a variety of strategies. Stick to these very simple steps to protect against heat diseases and skin most cancers.

    Heat Health problems

    When your entire body heats much too speedily, or when much too much fluid or salt is lost via dehydration or sweating, you may well expertise a heat-associated ailment. Know the signs and signs or symptoms so you can get support right away:

    • Warmth Stroke: human body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or increased dizziness nausea, confusion unconsciousness
    • Heat Exhaustion: paleness, weak spot, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting
    • Heat Cramps: muscle mass pains or spasms involved with demanding activity

    For more data on signs or symptoms of warmth-related health problems and how to protect against and treat them, go to alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/heat.html.

    Skin Most cancers

    Pores and skin cancer is a single of the most frequent — and preventable — varieties of cancer. A easy method combining the typical use of sunscreen, trying to get shade in the course of the peak hours of sunshine depth, and donning protecting garments and accessories can enable avoid this lethal sickness.

    Get more data on protecting against pores and skin most cancers at alabamapublichealth.gov/most cancers/skin.html.

    Driving Safety

    If alcoholic drinks are bundled in your Fourth of July celebration, be sure to try to remember that driving a auto or functioning a boat even though impaired can have serious effects for you and for those sharing the streets and waterways with you.

    System in advance: If you wait around until you’ve been ingesting to make the ideal determination, you may not. In advance of you have 1 consume, designate a sober driver who will not be ingesting.

    If it is your turn to be the selected driver, choose your job very seriously and do not consume.

    If a specified driver is not an solution, look at employing public transportation, contacting a experience provider, or simply just staying where by you are.

    COVID-19

    If your Fourth of July ideas involve big indoor gatherings with people you don’t live with, remember to recall that acquiring vaccinated and boosted is your finest protection towards severe disease or loss of life from COVID-19. No matter of your vaccination position, it is significant to verify your community concentrations at alabamaunites.com just before attending gatherings. If you are not completely vaccinated or have not experienced your booster photographs, contemplate wearing a mask if attending any substantial indoor gatherings.

    ADPH wishes all people a safe and sound and enjoyable Fourth of July!