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Showing posts from July, 2020

Fauci rebuts Republican claims about hydroxychloroquine in Capitol Hill session

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Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci resisted efforts by Republicans to criticize recent protests against racial injustice while pushing back on their continued promotion of hydroxycholoroquine as a possible coronavirus remedy in Congress on Friday.

Salmonella outbreak in Canada linked to American red onions

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Health officials have tracked a salmonella outbreak in Canada reported earlier this week to red onions imported from the United States and are asking residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario to avoid any products that contain them.

Manitoba businesses introduce, or reintroduce, safety measures after surge of COVID-19 cases

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A number of Manitoba businesses are ramping up their health and safety policies in light of the surge of cases of COVID-19 in the last few weeks, following a nearly two-week-long period with no new cases in the province.

He got into the best shape of his life in fear of COVID, now he's infected and struggling to breathe

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When COVID-19 cases began popping up across Canada, Saskatoon attorney and athlete David Samuel decided to treat it like the other physical challenges he’d overcome and started training to be in the best shape of his life. Now he's sick.

Black people and other people of colour make up 83% of reported COVID-19 cases in Toronto

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Black and other people of colour make up 83 per cent of reported COVID-19 cases in Toronto, city data shows. 

Rural Canadians face greater disparities from lack of anesthesia care, doctors say

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Canadians living in rural or remote communities are at risk of poorer health outcomes due to a shortage of anesthesia services, say researchers calling for a national strategy to address inequitable access to care.

More countries around the world are seeing a resurgence in coronavirus infections

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Spikes in coronavirus infections in the Asia-Pacific region have dispelled any notion the worst may be over, with Australia, India and Hong Kong reporting record daily cases, Vietnam testing thousands and North Korea urging vigilance. Here's what's happening in Canada and the rest of the world on Thursday.

Elementary students will be in class full time come September, Ontario says

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Elementary students in Ontario will be heading back to school full time come September, the provincial government revealed today, while most high school students will split their time between the classroom and online learning. 

Restrained by hospital security and left unconscious, no one called her family for 11 days before she died

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Relatives of a Toronto woman admitted to hospital on suspicion of COVID-19 is demanding answers after an altercation with security that they say left her unconscious and in intensive care — with no word to her family until just days before she was dead.

Getting a COVID-19 test to see family or friends? Good intentions come with risks, experts warn

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Many Canadians are now able to get tested even without symptoms,even if it's just to see friends and loved ones. Ontario's health minister says it's a "responsible" approach, but public health experts warn it comes with risks.

The 2nd wave is coming. Here's what public health experts say we should expect

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We asked dozens of physicians, epidemiologists and public health experts what to expect from a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Most said the severity of a second wave will depend on what infection-control measures governments put in place and whether or not people adhere to public health guidelines.

Ex-staff, clients concerned about treatment at GTA addiction centres owing $96K in unpaid wages

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Former employees and clients of Addiction Recovery Network are calling on the Ontario government to regulate private addiction treatment centres after raising concerns about the quality of services provided to clients by the Greater Toronto Area company.

Most B.C. students to return to school full time in September, education minister says

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Most B.C. students will return to class full time this September, B.C. Education Minister Rob Fleming announced Wednesday.

Medical experts led by SickKids release new back-to-school recommendations

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SickKids has released new proposed guidelines for reopening schools in Ontario come September, including recommendations like staggered lunch times, no large assemblies, and mandatory masks for older students.

More people calling mental health help line as pandemic drags on

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The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington says calls to the organization’s mental health helpline have increased about 20 per cent in the last four weeks above pre-pandemic levels.  

Stigmatizing Hutterites about COVID-19 will harm response: public health officer

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Canada's chief public health officer says discrimination against Hutterites will not help build trust as some colonies across the Prairies experience outbreaks of COVID-19.

Nursing homes a 'perfect storm' for COVID-19 in Alberta, nursing expert says

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In dealing with a new illness such as the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing homes and care centres can be a recipe for disaster, according to one University of Alberta expert.

U.S military personnel in St. John's accused of not isolating, as confusion swirls around exemption rules

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The manager of a St. John's hotel says American military members have been leaving the building and telling staff they were given the OK to do so by the Canada Border Services Agency as confusion grows over whether federal or provincial rules and exemptions should apply.

Ottawa teeters on knife edge as COVID-19 cases mount, says epidemiologist

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Ottawa is seeing a persistent rise in the number of cases of COVID-19, a sign that residents are approaching a potential tipping point, says an epidemiologist who provides modelling to Ottawa Public Health.

Toronto, Peel Region get green light to move to Stage 3 of Ontario's COVID-19 recovery plan

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Toronto and Peel Region will move into Stage 3 of Ontario's COVID-19 recovery plan this Friday, the provincial government said Wednesday morning. 

COVID-19 hospitalizations in B.C. drop below 10 for 1st time since public health emergency declared

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A total of 23 more people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and one more person has died in the past 24 hours, B.C. health officials reported Tuesday.

Health Canada authorizes drug remdesivir for severe COVID-19 cases

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Health Canada has authorized with conditions the drug remdesivir for patients with severe COVID-19, although Canada's top doctor says the supply is limited.

Nunavut woman who flew to N.W.T. for surgery turned away due to hospital's equipment issues

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Last week, Brenda Ongahak travelled from Kugluktuk, Nunavut, to Yellowknife for knee surgery — only to be told the hospital would be delaying her procedure due to faulty equipment.

Calgary doctor says 'dramatic' 40% drop in preterm births during lockdown could be global trend

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Doctors in countries including Denmark, Ireland, Australia, the U.S. and Canada have been reporting that fewer preterm babies are being born.

Alberta added 8 more COVID-19 deaths, 304 new cases over past 3 days

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Alberta reported 304 new cases of COVID-19 over the past three days and added eight more deaths to a growing total that has now reached 186.

COVID-19 risks for kids are low, must be balanced against cost of being out of school, doctors say

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Most studies examining kids and COVID-19 are trying to answer two questions: What is the likelihood of children getting the infection? And what is the likelihood of them spreading it? But being out of school also comes at a cost, doctors tell CBC News.

Cat tests positive for coronavirus in U.K.

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A pet cat has tested positive in England for the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the government said on Monday in the first confirmed case of an animal being infected with the virus in Britain.

Man remains stuck in a forensic mental health system some say is biased against Black people

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Mark Waweru, 25, of London, Ont., spent two years in a hospital for three offences committed one night in 2016. He's part of a system that some experts say is difficult to leave and in which Black people are overrepresented.

'We hugged and hugged': Families reunite at N.W.T. seniors' homes after COVID-19 rules loosen

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Cailey Mercredi didn't expect to see her grandparents again in person this year because of COVID-19, but a recent change of rules made for a lovely family surprise.

Anti-masking groups draw from anti-vaccination playbook to spread misinformation

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As more regions across the country adopt mandatory masking policies in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, some anti-masking groups are joining forces with anti-vaccination proponents and adopting their techniques to spread misinformation and amplify their message. 

COVID-19 poses big challenges for day camps, programs catering to those with special needs

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Summer day camps and programs provide crucial therapy and contact for those who have special needs, and their families with much-needed respite.

Ontario reports 138 new COVID-19 cases after labs complete nearly 30,000 tests

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Ontario reported 138 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday after its network of labs completed nearly 30,000 tests on Friday, a number that the health minister calls a "milestone."

The week B.C. slipped: With COVID-19 cases on the rise, officials warn against pandemic fatigue

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For the first time since the height of the pandemic, health officials on multiple occasions warned the public to pull back on social interactions, and "recommit" to physical distancing.

6 months after Canada's 1st COVID-19 case, hospitals 'better prepared' to help sickest patients

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Six months after Ontario officials announced the first COVID-19 case in Canada, critical care teams caring for the sickest patients feel better equipped to save more lives.

What Canada's top public health officials say about the state of the pandemic and uncertainty ahead

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As the country braces for a second wave that threatens to overwhelm hospitals and push Canadians back into lockdown, CBC News speaks to top public health officials about what gives them hope — and concern — in the coming months.

Everything you need to know about masks and working out: Your COVID-19 questions answered

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We're answering your questions about the pandemic. Send yours to COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday online, and also put some questions to the experts during The National and on CBC News Network.

Why err on the side of caution as COVID-19 looms in workplaces

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Hospitals, long-term care homes and other workplaces in Canada need to err on the side of caution or risk being paralyzed in the face of uncertainty from COVID-19, some doctors say.

One family's experience with a medical scare when 911 lines went down

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After trying to call 911 several times, a family on the Kingston Peninsula drove 40 minutes to get their daughter to the Saint John Regional Hospital during a sudden emergency.

New backyard chicken fad has risks, warns veterinarian

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An infectious disease veterinarian who warns that raising chickens and other kinds poultry can be risky is advocating for good education.

B.C. announces restrictions on rental properties, houseboats as COVID-19 cases rise

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A new provincial health order will limit the number of people allowed at vacation rentals and on houseboats as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in B.C.

Officer who fatally shot Ejaz Choudry refuses to speak with investigators, police watchdog says

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The police officer who fatally shot Ejaz Choudry, a 62-year-old man suffering from a mental health crisis, has refused to speak with Ontario's police watchdog about his actions last month.

Manitoba will stop identifying when COVID-19 cases are on colonies after Hutterites say they're being profiled

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Public health officials will stop announcing when newly identified COVID-19 cases are on Hutterite colonies unless there's a risk to public health, said Dr. Brent Roussin.

COVID-19 tracing app starts beta testing after three-week delay

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The federal government says a smartphone app meant to warn users if they've been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 is now in beta testing.

B.C. doctor heads to court to demand mandatory mask rules

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A family doctor in Burnaby, B.C., is asking for a court injunction requiring the province to bring in a mandatory mask policy for indoor spaces like restaurants, schools and public transit.

Ontario nurse under investigation after anti-vax, COVID conspiracy social media posts

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CBC News has learned an Ontario long-term care home inspector is under investigation because of concerns over social media posts that promote health misinformation and downplay the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

B.C. legislation to detain youth who overdose could do more harm than good: doctor

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Indigenous and civil liberties groups say the British Columbia government failed to consult them before proposing legislation that would force youth under 19 to stay in hospital after an overdose.

Ontario doctors launch program to help patients connect with loved ones during pandemic

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Recycled smartphones and tablets are being used across Ontario hospitals and health-care facilities to connect patients with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is the work of a group of doctors who were having a hard time watching patients suffer alone.

Fatal police encounters in Manitoba jumped in last 2 years; most involved Indigenous people

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A CBC analysis of the people killed in police encounters across Canada shows nine people in Manitoba have died after either being shot or Tasered by a police officer in the last two years, compared to six deaths in the six years prior.

How the N.W.T. is reducing addictions harm during COVID-19

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The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre in Yellowknife counsels at least 285 people, but COVID-19 has isolated many of those clients from badly needed in-person services.

More COVID-19 deaths at for-profit nursing homes in Ontario, study finds

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For-profit long-term care homes in Ontario saw significantly worse outbreaks of COVID-19 and more related deaths than their non-profit or municipally run counterparts, according to a new study released on Wednesday.