David Tennant 'misses' Red Nose Day host Zoe Ball after dropping out of show due to Covid

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is asking that all students and staff wear a “well-fitting mask” when indoors, as Canada grapples with the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.In a letter posted to its website on Wednesday, the TDSB said it takes direction from the province, which does not require masks.However, the TDSB said “given the increase in COVID-19 cases and the high number of absences, we as a system, are asking that all staff and students please wear a well-fitting mask when indoors in schools to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help minimize disruption from COVID-related absences.”The board said “to be clear this remains a personal decision” and will not be mandated.“Thank you for your consideration of this important measure,” the letter reads. “We know that it is not where we expected or hoped to be, but our collective actions can make a difference.”The TDSB said, though, that masks are “required” in certain situations, including for those in days six to 10 after a self isolation period of five days after a COVID-19 diagnosis, for those who are identified as a close contact for someone with the virus, and in public spaces, including in school and childcare centres for 14 days after travel outside of Canada.Tonight, the Board of Trustees passed a motion requiring mask use in all OCDSB buildings.

health Dr. Deena Hinshaw will provide an update on COVID-19 at 3:30 p.m.

ACCT Philly is at double capacity from people surrendering the pets they adopted during the pandemic. PHILADELPHIA, Pa - Employees at animal shelters across the county say that they are overwhelmed with the amount of animals that have been surrendered since the pandemic. Many of the pets that are being surrendered are said to be "Pandemic Pets," that were adopted to keep their owners company while they worked from home.

PHILADELPHIA - As inflation and rising costs of goods make things more difficult for American consumers, one local church is doing its part to help those facing financial strain. Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia is hosting a free gas giveaway on Wednesday. In a post on the church's website, leaders said "As the war in Ukraine continues, we continue to feel its impact, as gas prices continue to climb. Dare to Imagine Church wants to relieve some of that financial strain for our neighbors by hosting this Free Gas Giveaway." The Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia is giving away free gas on Wednesday afternoon.RELATED: Biden to allow higher ethanol fuel blend this summer in bid to lower gas pricesThe event will be from 12 pm - 3 pm at the Sunoco gas station at 5801 E Roosevelt Boulevard in Oxford Circle. Each car will get up to $30 worth of free gas, according to the church. An undated file photo of a gas pump.

Russia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday that 1,026 soldiers of Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade, including 162 officers, had surrendered in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol.

(With inputs from agencies)

WASHINGTON - A bus from Texas arrived in Washington, D.C. Wednesday morning, transporting dozens of illegal immigrants as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s new plan to counter federal immigration policies during an ongoing border crisis.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherAbbott announced last week that he was directing the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to transport migrants released from federal custody in Texas to the nation’s capital and other locations outside his state.The bus pulled up at approximately 8 a.m.

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - The Maryland Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed a 49-year-old man in Charles County who was living with more than 100 snakes – including some venomous and illegal – inside his home died from "snake envenomation." Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherThe death has been ruled accidental.

Ottawa’s largest school board have voted to implement a mask mandate.The motion passed Tuesday, with eight trustees at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) voting in favour. One trustee opposed and three abstained from the vote.“Tonight, the Board of Trustees passed a motion requiring mask use in all OCDSB buildings,” the board said on Twitter.“Staff are developing an implementation plan and will provide additional clarification shortly.” Hamilton’s public school board exploring options to reimplement mask mandate On March 21, Ontario lifted its mask mandate for most indoor public spaces, along with schools.At his first press conference since early March on Monday, Ontario chief medical officer of health Dr.

University of Guelph in Ontario will keep its mask requirement in place after all.Last month, the school announced it would be pausing its COVID-19 vaccination policy and masking requirements as of May 1. Masks to remain on at Wilfrid Laurier University but coming off at UWaterloo on May 1 But in a statement on Wednesday, the university said face coverings will be required for a little while longer due to the increasing number of cases in the province.“Masks will continue to be required indoors in all U of G-managed facilities until further notice,” stated president and vice-chancellor Charlotte Yates and provost and vice-president Gwen Chapman in a joint later.“We will review our mask requirement regularly, taking into consideration changing public health trends.

The Bank of Canada has raised its benchmark interest rate by .5% amid soaring inflation. Central 1 Credit Union Chief Economist Bryan Yu discusses how it could affect your mortgage payment.

The Great Home Transformation airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4

Accused in Quebec City sword attack to argue not criminally responsible for killings Justice Richard Grenier told the jurors in attendance Wednesday the case would be postponed until next Tuesday, which would permit 11 jury members to hear the case and allow any other juror who is positive for COVID-19 to isolate.Grenier says he’s hopeful the trial can resume next week without any other problems and says lawyers will discuss ways of shortening the presentation of evidence.The Criminal Code stipulates that a minimum of 10 jurors is required to deliver a verdict.The first juror tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.Girouard’s trial was expected to last between four and five weeks.

PHILADELPHIA - The FBI Newark Field Office is warning parents about an increase in reports of sextortion involving teenage boys. According to the agency, sextortion is an online crime that involves contact between a minor and an adult on an online platform, such as a gaming website or social media."The adult predator or scammer convinces the child to share sexual images or video and then threatens to post the content unless the victim sends more content or money," the FBI said. According to federal authorities, the most recent increase in cases mainly targets teenage boys between the age of 14 and 17. The field office says the coercion of a child by an adult to produce child sexual abuse material carries heavy penalties, including a possible life sentence for offenders. "To make victimization stop, children typically have to come forward to someone - normally a parent, teacher, caregiver, or law enforcement," the FBI said. "The embarrassment children feel from the activity where they were coerced or enticed to engage in is what typically prevents them from coming forward." The agency is urging victims to come forward to help stop extortion offenders, who may have hundreds of victims around the world. "We want parents, teachers, other relatives, anyone who is in a child’s life, to be aware," said Special Agent in Charge George M.

VICTORVILLE, Calif. - A store owner has been arrested for attempted murder in connection with the shooting of a 9-year-old girl at a mall in Victorville. The owner was reportedly shooting at suspected shoplifters when he struck the girl with a stray bullet, investigators said Wednesday.The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to a call from the Mall of Victor Valley at around 6:30 p.m.

XE variant has gained prominence in last few weeks the complete details for the new variant are yet unknown," said Dr Sachin Kandhari, Senior Neurosurgeon and Managing Director of IBS Hospital. 

lockdown in parts of China has forced factories to shut.Pegatron, one of the few companies to assemble iPhones, has closed two of its assembly plants in the cities of Shanghai and Kunshan to comply with the Chinese government's strict new coronavirus curbs.The company makes around 20% to 30% of all iPhones worldwide, leaving a significant gap in Apple's supply chain. It says it hopes to "resume production soon".Quanta, a company that makes MacBooks, has also had to shut its doors, causing further mayhem for Apple.

COVID-19 antiviral pill Paxlovid by a prescription.The antiviral treatment comes in the form of pills that are ingested orally for those who are at a higher risk of progressing to severe disease or hospitalization due to the virus.Taking the pills must begin with in five days of symptoms in most cases, the government said.Those eligible for assessment for antiviral pills include:The government notes a health-care provider may recommend the treatment even if one does not belong to the eligible groups based on individual circumstances. Here’s who is eligible for free COVID PCR testing, anti-viral assessment in Ontario A person must also test positive for COVID-19, either on a PCR tests or a rapid test.Aside from the more than 1,700 participating pharmacies, the antiviral pills are also available at hospitals and assessment centres.There is also a risk assessment screening tool online that Ontarians can use to determine if the treatment would be beneficial.

The country’s benchmark interest rate is rising half a percentage point, the Bank of Canada announced Wednesday, the first time it has raised rates by more than 25 basis points in more than two decades.

COVID cases per day. However, with the recent rise in cases, the positivity rate rose to 0.007%. 

COVID-19 as patient numbers continued to climb Wednesday.Hospitalizations related to the health crisis stood at 2,060, a rise of 122 compared with the previous day. This comes after 224 people were admitted while 102 left.Officials say 83 patients were being treated for the disease in intensive care units, an increase of 16.The Health Department says it recently updated its guidelines for transmitting data on hospitalizations.

Economist Stephen Brown discusses what happens to the housing market when interest rates rise.

Fred Eisenberger is “experiencing symptoms” and is now following public health guidelines and self-isolating.The mayor used the moment to pitch the importance of vaccinations for residents in a statement as Hamilton endures a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations expected to continue through much of the spring. Ontario COVID numbers: 1,366 people in hospital, 190 in intensive care “Please everyone, get vaccinated, get boosted, follow Public Health advice and stay home if you have symptoms,” Eisenberger said.In June 2020, Eisenberger had a suspected bout of COVID-19 after feeling symptoms.

Surgeries delayed as N.B. health-care system grapples with COVID-19 staffing shortages Back in January, the province changed the requirements to access rapid point-of-care tests.

COVID on Wednesday, with 182 in intensive care.This is down by 34 for hospitalizations and a decrease of eight for ICUs since the previous day.Last Wednesday, there were 1,074 hospitalizations with 168 in ICU. This is a 24 per cent and 8 per cent increase, respectively, to the figures this week.According to latest breakdown for hospitalizations, 53 per cent were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for COVID-19. For those in ICUs, 40 per cent were admitted for other reasons.

FILE IMAGE - Travelers wearing protective masks walk with luggage inside the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in San Francisco, California, on May 11, 2021. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images WASHINGTON - The Biden administration will extend for two weeks the nationwide mask requirement for public transit as it monitors an uptick in COVID-19 cases, according to a person familiar with the matter.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was set to extend the order, which was to expire on April 18, by two weeks to monitor for any observable increase in severe virus outcomes as cases rise in parts of the country.

CALEDONIA, Wis. - Phantom Fireworks officials confirmed for FOX6 News that on June 21, 2021, an individual named Frank James of Milwaukee purchased fireworks products from the Phantom Fireworks Showroom in Caledonia.A news release says four of the items purchased are believed to be the same items that were shown in a photograph published by a TV network on April 12.This "bag with fireworks" has been identified as having been left behind by the Brooklyn subway shooter. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 NewsThere is no video surveillance footage of the purchase available. As a result, Phantom Fireworks cannot confirm that the purchaser and the suspect in the Brooklyn subway shooting are the same individual. Phantom Fireworks officials say they are cooperating with the investigating authorities.New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Frank R.

NEW JERSEY - Janiece Jenkins, a teacher at East Orange Community Charter School, is being hailed a hero after springing into action and saving her student who was choking on a water bottle cap."This could have been very tragic, but I'm glad it wasn't," Jenkins told FOX 5 NY morning program, ‘Good Day New York.’On Wednesday at about 11:15 a.m., Robert Stonaker, 9, was sitting a desk and trying to pour water into his mouth when he started choking."I was opening the bottle with my mouth, and then I started with my hand and I couldn't open it, so I did it with my mouth and then the water pushed it into my throat," said Stonaker. Get breaking news alerts in the free FOX5NY News app!  |  Sign up for FOX 5 email newslettersThe third-grade student is seen on video turning the bottle into his mouth as it gets lodged."He ran over to the sink to see if he could get it out himself, and then he ran over to me when he saw that he couldn't, and he started pointing to his throat. He's just letting me know he couldn't speak.

(L) The 1969 left-handed Fender Mustang guitar is pictured in a provided image. (R) Kurt Cobain performs with Nirvana at the Paradiso on Nov.

AFP, quoting the group's head.

The national capital on Wednesday recorded 299 new coronavirus cases in a span of 24 hours – a rise of almost 50% since yesterday (202). Delhi showed a significant increase in new infections over the last week.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania House voted Tuesday after a tense debate to approve a bill that would prohibit transgender girls from competing in girls' school sports.All but one Republican and four Democrats voted for the proposal to restrict players on K-12 school teams, college sports, intramurals and club teams sponsored by school entities to male or female teams based on their reproductive organs, biology or genetics at birth."Identities do not play sports, bodies do," argued the measure's prime sponsor, Rep. Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland.

Rafiq Thompson of Philadelphia was charged with the murder of a pregnant woman in Upper Merion after turning himself in to authorities.  PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man who was wanted for the murder of a pregnant woman in Upper Merion on Friday has been charged after turning himself in, the Montgomery County District Attorney announced. According to officials, 38-year-old Rafiq Thompson is facing first-degree murder and related charges connected to the shooting death of 31-year-old Tamara Cornelius last week. Police say the shooting took place at an Exxon gas station before 11 p.m. on North Gulph Road and West Dekalb Pike. Officers arrived on scene and found Cornelius lying in the gas station parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, authorities say. PREVIOUS: $5K reward offered in search for suspect accused of killing pregnant woman in Upper MerionShe was transported to Paoli Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m., according to investigators. Officials say the investigation revealed that Cornelius and the suspect were in a prior relationship and had met up briefly before she went to have dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. According to investigators, Thompson followed Cornelius as she left the restaurant at 10:15 p.m., walked to the parking garage and then drove to the Exxon gas station. Police say as she was pumping gas when Thompson got out of the car, spoke to her and shot her. He continued to shoot her as she tried to get away, authorities say. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of Rafiq Thompson.

The Department of Health has been notified of 4,728 new cases of Covid-19, including 2,098 PCR-confirmed cases of the virus and 2,630 positive antigen tests registered through the HSE portal.

The major storm Manitobans have been preparing for over the last two days blew into the province overnight, and is expected to keep blowing until Friday.

An emotional reunion for one family, who left their home in Mariupol and look forward to starting a new life in BC. Catherine Urquhart reports.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas placed greater emphasis on regulating the importation of medicines and health technologies. The country has relied increasingly on the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS), a regional effort that provides recommendations to authorize medical products to Caribbean countries.

Bank says it is prepared for higher credit losses related to economic challenges and its exposure to Russia

COVID-19.A letter issued to St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School parents and caregivers says that the school will be closed until at least Tuesday.

Authorities say a triple shooting in Hunting Park is under investigation.  PHILADELPHIA - Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department are looking into a triple shooting that took place in Hunting Park Tuesday night. According to police, three people were shot on the 4300 block of North Carlisle Street around 10:15 p.m. Police say the victims are critical but expected to survive. No arrests have been made, according to authorities. ___MORE LOCAL HEADLINES___DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APPSUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTubeAdvertisementFOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

NEW YORK - Frank James, the man the NYPD identified as a person of interest in connection with the Brooklyn subway attack Tuesday morning, posted a string of antagonistic video rants to a YouTube channel for years. Wednesday morning New York Mayor Eric Adams announced that James was considered a suspect, and no longer a person of interest, in Tuesday's shooting. Using titles like "DOMESTICATED AVERAGES" and "SENSIBLE VIOLENCE," James posted hour-long, profanity-laced rants about race, politics and current events.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans protesting outside the most powerful building in Colombo – The President’s Office – demanding the resignation of the President and the Government, have rejected Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s offer for talks.“We did not come here for talks. We are here to demand that you and the government resign,” said one youth protestor at the protest site which is now known by them as GotGoGama.Almost all others echoed the same sentiment rejecting the offer for discussions.“I’m willing & prepared to meet with citizens currently engaged in the protests at Galle Face to hear their thoughts & complaints.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ex-Minister Wimal Weerawansa said that if Sri Lanka wants some form of stability, the Prime Minister and the Government must resign paving the way for a new administration.“They are completely wrong if they assume that they can overcome the economic crisis by forming a majority of 113 MPs by any means,” he told reporters.He was speaking to reporters on Wednesday (13) at a briefing organized by the ‘Taking The Nation On The Correct Path’ movement in Colombo.He said Basil Rajapaksa is still attempting to take control of the administration, and also slammed the appointment of a new State Minister at a time when the country facing a crisis.

BBC fundraiser Comic Relief is back on our TV screens on this weekend.The long running programme was founded in 1986 by stars including Lenny Henry, and has since featured some of the biggest names of stage, screen and film including Alan Carr, Tess Daley, Chris Evans and Graham Norton.Its 2022 show will also feature huge celebrities including David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alesha Dixon, Zoe Ball and of course, Sir Lenny Henry, to name a few.Ahead of the highly anticipated event, Daily Star has taken a look at where some of the hosts, past and present, are now.Lenny Henry was one of the stars to co-found Comic Relief back in 1986 and has regularly hosted the charity fundraising programme throughout the years.Having risen to fame as a comedian, he made his way into television through the talent competition New Faces in 1976, at the age of just 16 years old.From there it was onwards and upwards, as he also appeared on Tiswas, The Fosters and starring as multiple characters in 1986's Lenny Henry Tonite and The Lenny Henry Show.He has most recently appeared in Doctor Who as Daniel Barton, Broadchurch as Ed Bennett and The Syndicate as Godfrey Watson, as well as being listed as appearing in the new Lord of the Rings TV series.His career also led him to his future wife and fellow comedian Dawn French, who he was married to from 1984-2010, and with who he has one daughter Billie Henry.The couple divorced in 2010, but Dawn French told The Mirror that she and Lenny are still very close friends, saying: "Remarkably, we seem to have shifted with relative ease from a 25-year marriage to a lasting friendship.“I am amazed by us – there is no war, we’ve turned out to be the best of friends."Zoe Ball is no stranger to presenting roles,

ZOE Ball has been forced to pull out of Comic Relief and is replaced by Alesha Dixon after testing positive for Covid. The 51-year-old presenter told fans that she had "fallen at the last hurdle" and was unable to appear on the BBC One fundraising show, which airs tonight.

TV presenter Zoe Ball has revealed she’s been forced to pull out of tonight’s Comic Relief after testing positive for Covid-19.The 51 year old radio DJ took to Instagram to announce the sad news, as she shared that Alesha Dixon would be standing in for her on the big night. Alongside a snap of a positive test, former Strictly It Takes Two host Zoe wrote: “pook ! fell at last hurdle and have had positive lat flows this am- noooooooo.” She continued to her 600,000 followers: “Gorgeous @aleshaofficial is going to work the double shift tonight on @ComicRelief, i owe you lady love.” Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter The mum of two then gave a special shout out to the rest of the Comic Relief team who will be entertaining viewers.

Kylie Minogue will not appear during Comic Relief after testing positive for coronavirus.