Category Archives: Prairies/BC
‘Virtually no benefit’: Saskatchewan premier says COVID-19 lockdowns harm communities
REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he will not impose additional measures to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 despite the province bracing for increased pressure on health care due to the Omicron variant. "Lockdown policies can cause harm
Saskatchewan schools take on contact tracing once done by health-care workers
REGINA — As a registered nurse and COVID-19 case investigator in Saskatchewan, Carolyn Strom says she is no longer allowed to reach out to schools. During previous waves of the pandemic, it was her responsibility to contact-trace positive cases in stud...
Alberta unions call for circuit-breaker COVID-19 lockdown but Premier Kenney says no
EDMONTON — The leaders of Alberta's largest public and private sector unions are calling for drastic lockdown measures immediately to fight the spiralling COVID-19 Omicron variant. The leaders are calling for no in-person service at restaurants and bar...
Two B.C. schools move to ‘functional closure’ after holiday break, says ministry
VICTORIA — Two schools have stopped in-person classes in British Columbia, just two days after most students returned to classrooms following an extended holiday break due to the surging COVID-19 Omicron variant. The Education Ministry said Tuesday sch...
Top doctor says B.C.’s latest wave of COVID-19 to drag on for weeks
VICTORIA — British Columbia's provincial health officer says the current wave of COVID-19 infections is expected to continue for several more weeks based on the experience of other jurisdictions, though she expects more treatment options to be approved...
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
