Quebec adds 17 new COVID-19 deaths as next reopening phase begins

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COVID on Tuesday, with 319 in intensive care units.  On Family Day Monday, there were 1,064 people reported to be in hospital with COVID, with 320 in ICUs.Due to the holiday weekend, figures were not released on Family Day and two sets of data were released on Tuesday for both days.The province recently began distinguishing between those who were admitted to hospital directly because of COVID, and those who were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for the virus.Although the data wasn’t updated on Tuesday, last week showed for hospitalizations roughly 50 per cent were admitted because of the virus, while 50 per cent were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for COVID-19. For ICUs, 80 per cent were admitted because of COVID, while 20 per cent were admitted for other reasons.Meanwhile, Ontario also reported 1,282 new lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday and 1,335 on Monday, though these are an underestimate of the true widespread transmission of the virus due to recent testing restrictions.

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Glasvegas have postponed their first live show since 2018 after experiencing a Covid outbreak in the band.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); 200 buses that were taken out of service were repaired and re-added to the passenger transportation under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat premises on Tuesday (22).The project was implemented based on a concept of State Minister of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry Dilum Amunugama and under the guidance of Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.The importation of buses was also suspended along with the restriction on the importation of vehicles.Accordingly, steps were taken to repair the dilapidated buses as a solution to the shortage of buses and in order to save foreign exchange.Under the first phase of the project, 273 buses were repaired and added to the bus fleet in December 2020.Under the second phase, 200 buses that were completely out of service at 107 depots across the country were repaired at a cost of Rs. 136 million.The project is being carried out by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots and Lakdiva Engineering Company with the full support of the Sri Lanka Public Transport Employees Union.The President inspected the standard of the buses, engaged in conversation with the SLTB employees.

Queen Elizabeth will miss a planned virtual engagement on Tuesday because she is still experiencing mild cold-like symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19, a spokesman for Buckingham Palace said.

Tamara Lich, one of the leading organizers behind protest against COVID-19 restrictions and the Liberal government on Parliament Hill.Lich, who was arrested last Thursday and charged with counselling to commit mischief, appeared before Ontario Court Justice Julie Bourgeois in a bail hearing on Saturday.During that hearing, Lich promised to give up her advocacy of the protest and return to Alberta. The judge reserved her bail decision on Lich.Patrick King, another prominent figure connected to the demonstrations, is also scheduled for a bail hearing today in Ottawa.King, 44, was arrested on Friday and faces charges of mischief, counselling to commit mischief, counselling to commit the offence of disobeying a court order and counselling to obstruct police.

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Queen Elizabeth II is prioritizing her health while battling COVID-19. The 95-year-old British monarch tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend, and on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace announced that she would not participate in several pre-planned virtual events «As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties,» the Palace said in a statement.

Hong Kong will roll outcompulsory testing for Covid-19 starting in mid-March for its 7.4 million residents, leader Carrie Lam said, as university researchers predicted new infections could peak at a staggering 180,000 a day next month.

Therese Raphael is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. She was editorial page editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe.

Long COVID risks are real and such complications will be a part of our future regardless of which variant one has been infected with, World Health Organisation (WHO) has clarified last week. And as studies are being conducted on the topic, more facts regarding its symptoms and severity are coming to light. Recent researches have revealed that post-COVID complications increase the risks of heart ailments, vasculitis and other severe diseases. Apart from symptoms like brain fog, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste that are commonly known, many patients are also complaining of skin-related issues that might be a cause of concern. 

Her Majesty the Queen has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now isolating at Windsor Castle.The news came just days after Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, reported a positive test.Thankfully, the Queen is only tackling ‘mild cold symptoms’, according to the palace. And our stalwart monarch is ‘determined to carry on’ doing light duties despite being struck with the illness. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.” But who’s looking after our monarch and making sure she makes a speedy recovery? For all the latest royal stories, sign up for OK! 's daily newsletter here.To set her on the path to a speedy recovery, the Queen has her own dedicated doctor.

The Queen has cancelled her planned engagements today on 22 February as she continues to experience Covid symptoms. Buckingham Palace released a statement explaining that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 95, is experiencing "mild cold-like symptoms".

Kate Garraway has revealed her husband Derek Draper activated a movement based on emotion for the first time since his health battles started from Covid-19. Derek, 54, returned home in April 2021 after spending a year in hospital fighting for his life after contracting coronavirus in 2020, which has since left him battling a number of ongoing health issues. Since then, he's been receiving round the clock care from his Good Morning Britain presenter wife, 54, their two children Darcey, 15, and Billy, 12, as well as care workers.

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Co-host Bob Beckel attends FOX News' "The Five" at FOX Studios on February 26, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) Bob Beckel, a Democratic strategist and former co-host of "The Five," has died at age 73.Beckel first joined Fox News in 2000 as a contributor providing political analysis and rejoined the network in 2011 as one of the original hosts of "The Five."Columnist Cal Thomas posted on Facebook about Beckel's death. Get your top stories delivered daily! Sign up for FOX 11’s Fast 5 newsletter. And, get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.When "The Five" premiered in July 2011, it was only supposed to have a five-week run to temporarily fill the timeslot.

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New Zealand anti-vaccine protesters pelted police with a "stinging substance" sending three to hospital with injuries early today, as tension spilled over in an angry weeks-long protest.

All remaining coronavirus restrictions are to be lifted, starting from this week.

The Government will consider a proposal to end almost all remaining health restrictions next week.

Big Hit Music has shared that BTS member V has recovered from COVID-19 and is now out of quarantine.Earlier today (February 22), the agency shared a notice on fan community site Weverse about the health status of the 26-year-old singer. V had diagnosed with COVID-19 last week after experiencing mild respiratory symptoms.“We would like to inform you that BTS member V has made a full recovery from COVID-19 and his quarantine has concluded as of today, February 22,” wrote Big Hit.

Nicola Sturgeon is set to lay out her new strategic framework for dealing with covid later today.

Omicron coronavirus variant are nearly 75% less likely to develop serious illness or die than those who contract the Delta variant, real world data released on Monday by South Korea’s health authorities showed.A study by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) of some 67,200 infections confirmed since December showed the Omicron variant’s severity and death rates averaged 0.38% and 0.18%, respectively, compared with 1.4% and 0.7% for the Delta cases.The KDCA classed severe cases as people who were hospitalised in intensive care units. COVID cases exceed 400 million globally as Omicrons spreads Around 56% of 1,073 people who died over the past five weeks were either unvaccinated or had received only one dose, the study showed, with people aged 60 or older accounting for 94% of deaths.More than 86% of South Korea’s 52 million population have been double vaccinated and nearly 60% have received a booster shot.South Korea had kept cases and deaths relatively low thanks to widespread social distancing measures and aggressive testing and tracing.The Omicron variant has led to a surge in cases — daily new infections topped a record 100,000 last week — but authorities have pushed ahead with slightly easing social distancing rules amid the lower fatality rate and ahead of a presidential election next month.Contact tracing and mandatory isolation for vaccinated people was scrapped in favour of self diagnosis and at-home treatment to free up medical resources.

Corbevax for 12-18 years. It is the second vaccine for children after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. However, the government has not yet decided on vaccination for less than 15 years. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)'s approval comes after the Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19 of the CDSCO on February 14 recommended granting restricted EUA to Corbevax for the 12 to 18 years age group after deliberating on Biological E's application.

New Zealand police line, narrowly avoiding officers, while other protesters sprayed officers with a stinging substance, police said Tuesday, as they tightened a cordon around a convoy that has been camped outside Parliament for two weeks.The clashes in the capital of Wellington came a day after police reported that some of the protesters had thrown human feces at them. Faced with sprinklers, New Zealand anti-vaccine mandate protesters dig trenches Police Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers told reporters the actions of some of the protesters, who oppose coronavirus vaccine mandates, were unacceptable and would be dealt with assertively.“Our focus remains on opening the roads up to Wellingtonians and doing our absolute best to restore peaceful protest,” Chambers said.

Russia after President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine and ordered Russian troops to “maintain the peace” there.The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Monday night at the request of Ukraine, the U.S. and six other countries, where virtually all members condemned Putin’s move and Russia’s recent aggressions.No immediate actions were taken by the council, on which Russia currently holds the revolving-door presidency.

coronavirus cases, taking the total virus tally to 42,851,929, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The daily coronavirus case shave continued to remain below 20,000-mark for the past 53 days. The active cases dipped to 1,81,075, while the death toll climbed to 5,12,344 with 235 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COVID-19 will be lifted early next month.“On Saturday, Feb. 26, the government will announce a final decision about proceeding to Phase 2 of our plan to lift almost all restrictions on March 1,” Kenney tweeted Monday evening, saying it will be a “prudent decision based on the latest data.”The premier wrote there is “encouraging data” showing a “steep drop” in the Omicron variant wave of the pandemic.

John Mayer‘s touring drummer has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the musician withdrawing from Mayer’s concert in New York last night (February 21).Taking to Twitter, Mayer – sharing a monochrome image of himself facing an empty arena – wrote: “This afternoon, our drummer tested positive for COVID-19. We all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you all at the show.”This afternoon, our drummer tested positive for COVID-19. Tonight's concert @TheGarden will go on as scheduled, with a very special presentation.

Despite a high COVID-19 infection rate, England is about to ditch the last of its COVID-19 restrictions, in a bid to start living with the virus for good. Redmond Shannon looks at what measures are disappearing, the strategy going forward, and why the rest of the United Kingdom is divided on England’s plan.

After nearly two years of shutting out most tourists due to COVID-19 restrictions, Australia has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated, international travellers.

This could be the last week that many Albertans will need to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic as the province prepares to enter the next stage of its plan to ease public health measures.

John Mayer is about to perform the second of two sold-out shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden as part of his Sob Rock Tour, but the second show is likely going to be a lot different than the first.

The booster rollout continues with more than 27,770 booster doses administered across the motu yesterday.

COVID-19: Quebec opposition says it’s time to end state of emergency The Barreau du Québec said Monday it’s time the government explain why it still needs emergency powers.“Does the current situation require keeping the state of emergency?” Catherine Claveau, head of the bar association, wrote in a statement. “Are the measures that will be maintained during the deconfinement plan justified? To answer these questions, the government must provide clear justifications for maintaining some ‘exceptional rules.”’Over the past two years, the Quebec government has used emergency powers to impose curfews, ban private gatherings and close businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms.

The blaring horns and snarled streets of the so-called “Freedom Convoy” blockade in Ottawa are no more, but on Monday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested the work to heal the pandemic divisions in the country that the convoy exposed must now begin.

Boris johnson today (February 21) said that the response to the pandemic would be "vaccine led" as he announced that all lockdown restrictions will be ending by Thursday. Speaking after he announced all remaining Covid restrictions will be axed, the PM said there "may be significant resurgences" and "it's very possible that those will be worse than Omicron".Whitty said at a Downing Street press conference that new strains were to be expected and while some "will just disappear" others could escape vaccines and result in a fresh wave in hospitalisations.Prof Whitty said: “Some of those new variants will just disappear, but some of them will cause us significant problems and they could be either more vaccine escaping but as severe as Omicron, but the net effect would be actually more people end up in hospital because a lot of our protection is from vaccination, or it could be more intrinsically severe, because Omicron came from a much earlier variant.”He added we “could certainly end up with something which is more likely to lead to hospitalisations than Omicron”, adding that winters are expected to be “tricky” even in the absence of significant new variants due to the combination of Covid, flu and other respiratory problems.The Chief Medical Officer also urged Brits who test positive for Covid to self-isolate, even though they will no longer be forced to do so under law.“As we look at the next weeks, we still have high rates of Omicron and I would urge people in terms of public health advice, and this is very much the Government’s position, that people should still if they have Covid try to prevent other people getting it and that means self-isolating," he said.

In an address to the House of Commons today, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a plan for "living with COVID," phasing out free testing for most people and removing requirements to self-isolate after testing positive.

The Prime Minister has announced that British workers should "learn from Germany" and not go to work if they are feeling ill.

Lower percentages of US children visited an emergency department (ED) for any indication amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while adolescent girls accounted for the largest hikes in visits for mental illness, according to two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies published late last week in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).For both studies, the researchers mined pediatric ED visit data in the

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - California authorities are trying to capture Hank the Tank, a massive black bear estimated to weigh at least 500 pounds. They say he’s responsible for breaking into several homes in the South Lake Tahoe area.South Lake Tahoe Police said the latest incident with Hank happened Friday morning when he broke into a home on Catalina Drive in the Tahoe Keys area. Officers banged on the exterior of the home until Hank moved outside through the back door. RELATED: Frederick buzzing over black bear sighting"This bear did not break into a garage where trash was kept that he was sniffing out," authorities posted on their Facebook page.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a list of steps in the next part of England's Covid plan.

JUPITER, Fla. - Major League Baseball’s negotiations to salvage opening day resume at a new venue Monday: Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.Colorado Rockies CEO Dick Monfort, chairman of the owners’ labor policy committee, was expected to join a management delegation that includes Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem, the clubs’ lead negotiator.Bruce Meyer, the union’s chief negotiator, was expected to be joined by players. The site of negotiations is about 3 miles from the home of New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer, among the eight players on the union’s executive subcommittee.The ballpark usually would be the spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St.