Category Archives: Prairies/BC
B.C. hospitals among those dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks
VICTORIA — There has been a surge of COVID-19 infections in health-care and long-term care facilities in British Columbia with seven more outbreaks reported in the last few days. A statement from the Health Ministry says 43 facilities were listed
Alberta COVID cases top 57,000: Top doctor says true number likely 10 times higher
EDMONTON — Alberta's chief medical officer of health says the more than 57,000 active cases of COVID-19 in the province are a tiny fraction of the true spread of the virus. "I couldn’t give a specific number, but it’s very clear
Lack of testing capacity prompts Yukon to hand out take-home COVID-19 tests
WHITEHORSE — Yukon is handing out its first shipment of COVID-19 rapid tests from the federal government to people with symptoms who don't meet the new requirements for PCR tests. Yukon says in a statement the rapid spread of the Omicron
Opposition calls for COVID-19 aid as Manitoba case numbers continue to climb
WINNIPEG — Manitoba continued to see a climb in COVID-19 hospitalizations Monday as gathering limits remained in place and students started a week of remote learning. Health officials reported 378 people in hospital with the virus — an increase of 81
BC Ferries warns of staff shortages, service disruptions in the coming months
VICTORIA — BC Ferries says a combination of the fast-spreading Omicron COVID-19 variant, a global shortage of mariners, severe weather and the flu season has the potential to disrupt ferry service over the next few months. The company says in a
Alberta student, parents say they feel abandoned as K-12 kids return to school
EDMONTON — Twelve-year-old Charlie Kozak wasn't feeling safe about having to be in class Monday. "It's a chaotic mess," Charlie said during a phone interview last week from his home as he prepared to return to his school in Calgary. "I know
Premier Kenney renews promise Alberta will not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations
EDMONTON — Premier Jason Kenney says mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations won't happen in Alberta, despite the federal government conceding such intervention may be necessary down the road. Kenney, in a short statement, says his government removed the power...
Manitoba extends restrictions another 3 weeks as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government has extended its COVID-19 restrictions for three weeks, but the Opposition New Democrats are calling for stricter measures to try to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. "While these orders remain in place, we cont...
Yukon aims for in-person classes, but Omicron could force switch to remote learning
WHITEHORSE — An Education Department official says the priority for schools in Yukon remains on keeping students in classrooms, but the COVID-19 Omicron variant could force adjustments. Deputy minister Nicole Morgan says in-class learning for students ...
Saskatchewan’s top doctor warns against gatherings to keep essential services going
REGINA — Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer is asking the public to stop gatherings except for work and school. On Thursday, the province reported 913 new cases of COVID-19 — an all-time high — with a test positivity rate of 28