COVID-19

The region's top doctor is in favour of Premier Ford's decision to implement a proof of vaccination certificate, commonly referred to as a vaccine passport.

The measure comes into place on Wednesday, September 22, and will require Ontarians to show proof of vaccination before entering a number of establishments where the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is higher.

Starting today, Manitoba residents must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination if they want to visit non-essential businesses such as restaurants, bars, bingo halls, gyms and movie theatres.

The province is hoping the vaccine passports will help it fend off a fourth wave of the pandemic.

Dr. Brent Roussin Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer, says the measure could help avoid another shutdown and encourage unvaccinated residents to get their shots.

As of today, Sept. 2, 70 per cent of eligible Albertans have received both of their doses of vaccine through Alberta Health Services, community pharmacies and physician offices.

More than 2.6 million Albertans are now fully immunized against COVID-19 after receiving two vaccine doses.

A total of 78.2 per cent of eligible Albertans have received at least one dose.

All Albertans are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated with two vaccine doses as soon as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.

There were 1,339 new cases of COVID-19 reported for Thursday, September 2.

Hospitalizations rose by 22 for a total of 487 while ICU admissions increased by seven for a total of 114.

Of the 487 in hospital, 385 or 79.06 per cent are not immunized, 16 are partially vaccinated, and 86 are fully immunized.

Five more deaths have also been reported for a total of 2,388.

There are now 12,868 active cases in the province with a positivity rate of over 10 per cent.

Cochrane now has 53 active COVID-19 cases while Rocky View County has 114 cases.

The president of Manitoba's Chamber of Commerce is speaking out against bullying and berating businesses because of health order disagreements.

Starting last week, all indoor public spaces require face masks. This weekend, many industries such as foodservice and gyms will require proof of full vaccination to access their services. Dr. Brent Roussin and President Chuck Davidson of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce both agree that the updated orders will add a challenge to businesses, but for Davidson, that challenge is worth it.

Rocky View Schools has sent a letter to parents and guardians that some schools will be setting up temporary immunization clinics to provide COVID-19 vaccination shots to students.

Immunizations will be provided to Grades 7 to 12, specifically students who are born in 2009 or earlier. 

Vaccines will only be provided to students who return a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian. 

This weekend will see the implementation of previously announced health orders, and on Tuesday, newer orders will come into effect.

New orders are coming into effect on September 7, giving leeway for events such as weddings planned this weekend. This includes outdoor gathering sizes being reduced to 500 from 1,500.

Fairs and festivals will need to limit themselves to 500 people, but if approved by public health, those events could increase in size.

The state of California and Los Angeles are settling a lawsuit with a church after the lead pastor refused to follow the health orders.

A year ago in Los Angeles, a superior court judge gave Grace Community Church an injunction: they could not hold in-person worship services. The ban on the megachurch's gatherings was based on how services were conducted considering COVID-19, particularly physical distancing and wearing masks.

Now, the state of California and Los Angeles have agreed to pay John MacArthur's church $800,000 to settle the lawsuit that followed.

Third doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for all seniors living in congregate care facilities and for immunocompromised Albertans.

Receiving a third dose will boost immunity levels and improve protection for all seniors living in congregate care facilities and individuals with compromised immune systems.

In addition, mRNA doses will be made available to Albertans who are travelling to a jurisdiction that does not accept visitors who have been vaccinated with Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed doses.

Yesterday, Premier Doug Ford announced that starting on Wednesday, September 22 Ontarians will need to show proof of vaccination before entering a number of non-essential businesses.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says the proof of vaccination certificate, commonly referred to as a vaccine passport, is critical to help Ontario avoid another lockdown.