COVID-19

The Ontario government released their Fall Economic Statement last week outlining the government's plan to strengthen the health care industry, build critical infrastructure, and invest in the workforce.

The statement included many investments to key infrastructure in the Far North and rural First Nation communities, the Staycation Tax Credit, and the raising of the minimum wage.

You have the weekend to figure out how to download or save your vaccine record QR code for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Dr. Deena Hinshaw explains, "Beginning Monday, November 15th, Albertans’ vaccine record must include the QR code in order to enter any business or venue taking part in the program. This means Alberta vaccination records without a QR code, including paper immunization records received at your vaccination appointment, will no longer be accepted."

Dr Deena Hinshaw spoke of the importance of Remembrance Day in her update yesterday saying, "Remembrance Day is, of course, an important time where Canadians come together to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served, and continue to serve, our country."

She also reminded Albertans to stay safe. "I’d also like to remind Albertans attending any ceremonies in-person to be mindful of the physical distancing, masking and capacity requirements in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And as always, if you have even minor symptoms, please stay home."

The Royal Canadian Legion in Kenora will be hosting an in-person Remembrance Day ceremony today (November 11, 2021) that will be open to the public.

COVID-19 forced the Legion to have a closed-door live-streamed ceremony in 2020. This year with COVID-19 restrictions loosening, the Legion is now able to invite the public to join in.

Jason Lava is the Poppy/Remembrance Day Chair for the Legion and said they were pleased when the restrictions loosened.

“It’s nice to be able to open the hall to nearly full capacity and be able to see people again,” said Lava.

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been reported today by members of the Northwestern Health Unit.

They include one additional case in the Dryden / Red Lake region, bringing their active case count up to 4, as well as one new case in the Sioux Lookout area.

Follow up with the person involved and their contacts has started according to protocol, and anyone who is identified as a contact for these cases will be reached directly by NWHU staff.

The province of Ontario has halted phase two of the province's plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which was scheduled to begin on November 15, 2021.  

Phase two would've lifted capacity limits in the remaining higher-risk settings outlined in the province's plan. 

This is being done out of an abundance of caution as the province monitors public health trends as daily COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the province.  

Manitoba's Chief Public Health Officer hints at the possibility of new COVID-19 restrictions but is not saying what they will be.

The doctor says stronger restrictions are an option being considered to lower COVID-19 cases.

"It is disappointing and frustrating, I know to me and all Manitobans, to have this renewed talk of further restrictions. We have been at this for so long, but we are going to need to ask Manitobans for their further adherence," Dr. Brent Roussin says.

There are two more COVID-19-related deaths in Manitoba.

On Wednesday the province is confirming 143 new COVID-19 cases. Out of the new cases 84 people are not vaccinated, five people are partially vaccinated, and 54 people are fully vaccinated.

Manitoba's five-day test rate is 6.2 per cent. 

New cases by heath region include:

• 66 in Southern
• 33 in Winnipeg
• 29 in Prairie Mountain
• 10 in Interlake-Eastern
• five in Northern

The province of Manitoba is expanding its eligibility for who can get a third COVID-19 vaccine.

On Wednesday the province is announcing anyone aged 18-years-old or older can get a third vaccine. The additional dose must be given at least six months after the second.

"The province is recommending the third dose to individuals who are at an increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, their caregivers and close contacts," the statement says.

All COVID-19 vaccine locations will offer third doses.

Dr Deena Hinshaw spoke of the importance of Remembrance Day in her update yesterday saying, "Remembrance Day is, of course, an important time where Canadians come together to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served, and continue to serve, our country."

She also reminded Albertans to stay safe. "I’d also like to remind Albertans attending any ceremonies in-person to be mindful of the physical distancing, masking and capacity requirements in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And as always, if you have even minor symptoms, please stay home."