Some pharmacies in Simcoe Muskoka to offer AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to adults age 55+

COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at grocery stores, pharmacies and other settings.A government source with knowledge of the plan told The Canadian Press that Health Minister Christine Elliott will announce more details on Wednesday.The source said there will be a limit of one box of five tests per household per visit, though some stores might have different processes.Ontario provided free rapid antigen test kits at malls and liquor stores in December ahead of the holidays.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police confirmed the arrest of the main suspect wanted in connection with the attempted shooting of an ambulance driver on the 27th of January opposite the Panadura Base Hospital.Sri Lanka Police said 8 grams of heroin was seized from the possession of the 32-year-old suspect from Kuruppumulla on Tuesday (8) night.Detectives are planning on obtaining a detention order to detain and interrogate the suspect, after producing him to the Panadura Magistrate’s Court.Sri Lanka Police on Tuesday (8) also arrested a 51-year-old man in connection to the attempted shooting of an ambulance driver in Panadura, on the 27th of January 2022.The suspect was identified as the assistant to the ambulance driver who was the main target of the shooters.On Independence Day (4), the Kalutara Crimes Division arrested the ambulance driver who was the target of gunmen in Panadura.Sri Lanka Police said the ambulance driver was transferring an expectant mother to the Panadura Hospital when several people chased after him on four motorcycles and opened fire at him.However, the weapon used by the gunman had jammed.Police said the ambulance driver was arrested after it was revealed that he was transporting Heroin at the time of the incident.According to Police, the person who was driving the motorcycle and the person who assisted in the shooting were also arrested.The assistant to the ambulance driver had confessed to police that the ambulance was used to transport drugs on several occasions.In addition, another man was arrested from Panadura on Tuesday (8) for spying on the ambulance driver.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya on Wednesday (9) ordered to release of a Church worker, who was detained over the discovery of a hand grenade from All Saint’s Church in Borella.On the 2nd of February, the Additional Magistrate ordered to release of three other workers connected to the incident.Accordingly, all four church workers who were arrested and detained over the incident, have been released.Sri Lanka’s Attorney General had recommended that they be released given the fact that they were not involved in the incident.A week ago, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the court that it was revealed that the three other workers were not connected to the incident in any way, and the Attorney General had advised to release them.

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ANI reported. AIIMS Medical Superintendent DK Sharma in a letter today said in accordance with current ICMT's national guidelines, it has been decided to discontinue routine Covid-19 testing prior to inpatient hospitalisations (regular as well as daycare) and also prior to any minor or major surgical or interventional or non-interventional procedures and imaging in clinically asymptomatic patients.AIIMS, Delhi announces to discontinue routine COVID-19 testing prior to inpatient hospitalization and surgeries pic.twitter.com/R0wjcSdaFl

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Phillip Schofield has returned to This Morning after testing positive for coronavirus. The 59-year-old presenter had been forced to skip hosting This Morning and Dancing on Ice and admitted he was "bored out of his brain" while locked away in his home after testing positive for Covid seven days in a row.

Canada’s Meryeta O’Dine won the bronze medal in her Olympic debut at the Beijing Winter Games in women’s snowboard cross Wednesday.

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A review is set to be launched after four children were given Covid vaccine overdoses of more than twice the approved amount.

A Business Proposal has been pushed back by a week.Today (February 9), the show’s production team announced that the premiere of A Business Proposal has been pushed back by a week, attributing the delay to stricter COVID-19 protocols on the show’s set. The show will now premiere on February 28.“We have decided to inevitably postpone the first broadcast of A Business Proposal for a week due to COVID-19 in order to change the filming schedule and secure a safe production environment,” a representative from the show said, per Sports Chosun and translated by Soompi.“The first broadcast date has been changed from February 21 to February 28,” the representative added.

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COLOMBO (News 1st); The EU has urged Sri Lanka to continue reducing the use of the PTA, and to undertake further practical and administrative steps to release on bail those detained under the PTA without charges.The European Union (EU) and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka held their 24th meeting of the Joint Commission on 8th February 2022 in Brussels.During the meeting, Sri Lanka reiterated its objective to achieve measurable, tangible, and verifiable results on the ground in meeting its commitments.In this context, the EU welcomed the submission by the Government of Sri Lanka of amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Ontario reports more than 3,200 COVID-19 cases, 17 deaths The area includes the following neighbourhoods: Vanier/Rockway, Country Hills, Alpine/Laurentian, Victoria Hills/Cherry Hill and Shades Mills.“Members of the public who are 50+ and live in one of the identified high-risk neighbourhoods are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the vaccine, and when they receive notification that it’s their turn to book an appointment, to do so right away,” Waterloo Public Health stated.A provincial spokesperson told Global News the hotspots are in historic and ongoing areas with “high rates of death, hospitalization and transmission.”“We have to go into the hot spots,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday as he unveiled further details of the

COVID-19 vaccines thus far given its limited supply of doses, but as variants continue to send more younger people to hospital, the province needs to switch up its strategy, infectious disease experts suggest.The province has begun its Phase 2 of the vaccination plan, which targets people aged 50 and older who live in COVID-19 hot spots and those who can’t work from home.But critics say the variants of concern are moving much faster than the vaccine rollout, pointing out that the province has millions of doses in freezers.Premier Doug Ford shot back at critics on Tuesday, saying most of those doses are spoken for. York Region opens COVID-19 vaccine appointments for residents aged 45-59 in 5 communities “We are ready to go,” Ford said.

The more contagious variants now make up the majority of Ontario’s COVID-19 cases, but people are still gathering in large numbers, fuelling the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 “hot spot” zone will soon be able to get vaccinated as part of the second phase of Ontario’s coronavirus immunization plan.On Tuesday, the Ontario government said people who are age 50-plus and living under the postal code L3Z will be able to get inoculated, along with individuals in other “hot spot” communities in 12 other public health unit regions, including York Region, Toronto and Peel.

COVID-19 cases and increased admissions to intensive care units.During separate news conferences on Tuesday, both Premier Doug Ford and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams indicated all options are “on the table.” However, they didn’t provide details on specific measures being considered or when those measures might be put into place.

COVID-19 vaccines in pharmacies, calling the decision “reckless.”Hamilton Centre NDP MPP Andrea Horwath and MP Matthew Green, as well as city councillors Jason Farr, Nrinder Nann, Maureen Wilson and Sam Merulla, issued a joint statement calling the move “incomprehensible and irresponsible” and suggesting more risk factors with populations in the lower and inner-city.

COVID-19 setback after the provincial government outlawed live streaming shows for the second time this year.The latest measures in Doug Ford’s “emergency brake” plan, introduced on Thursday, prohibit virtual concerts from taking place over the next four weeks in local venues _ an effort to slow the spread of the virus.But Lisa Zbitnew, co-owner of Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, says while she supports the government’s health measures, she doesn’t understand why the live music industry is once again on the receiving end of mixed safety messages.

Ontario as the province is now under a “shutdown.”The measures were introduced to combat what Premier Doug Ford calls an “alarming” surge in COVID-19 infections and are set to last for four weeks.The government is asking Ontarians to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication and other essential services, but stopped short of imposing a stay-at-home order like it did in January.

COVID-19 vaccines increasingly protect the city’s most vulnerable residents.Premier Doug Ford and senior ministers announced Thursday afternoon that the entire province will enter a 28-day “emergency brake” shutdown on Saturday at 12:01 a.m.New limitations will prohibit both indoor and patio dining at restaurants, force the closure of gyms and put tighter caps on the number of people allowed inside grocery stores and other shops.Ford also asked residents to limit their trips outside the home to essential purposes only.The move comes a day after Ottawa’s medical officer of health, Dr.

coronavirus cases and hospitalizations spike across the country, officials are urging Canadians to rethink their spring holiday plans this year — such as Easter and Ramadan.Many provinces are battling high COVID-19 rates as deadlier, more transmissible variants are spiking among Canadians — especially young people.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said Thursday the new provincewide shutdown announced by the Ontario government was “needed” and “will help to save lives.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said earlier in the day that the province is in a third wave of the pandemic and the “emergency brake” was activated in response to rising COVID-19 cases and strained capacity at intensive care units.

When asked why lockdowns appear to be working in some regions in the grey zone while Toronto and Peel may not be, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the restrictions work but that people were still gathering. Chief medical officer of health Dr.

Asked why the government would not move up the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines for health-care workers, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said there were concerns that front-line health-care workers haven’t booked their 1st dose vaccination appointments.

Ontario government is imposing a provincewide “shutdown” in an effort to combat a recent spike in COVID-19 infections.Premier Doug Ford says the change will take effect Saturday and continue for at least four weeks.The government is asking Ontarians to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication and other essential services.

COVID-19 in Ontario and reduce the strain on hospital intensive care units, the provincial government moved to activate its “emergency brake” shutdown restrictions.Officials said as of 12:01 a.m.

COVID-19 variant spread.They write that Ontario is at a “critical point in the pandemic.”“We are being led down a very dangerous path by using ICU capacity as a benchmark for tolerance of COVID-19 spread,” the letter reads. “We do not agree with this approach and believe new public health measures are required immediately in order to regain control of the pandemic and save lives.” Ontario government moves to activate 4-week, provincewide COVID-19 ’emergency brake’ The letter, signed by more than 150 physicians, also indicates the growth of VOCs (variants of concern) in the province is exponential.“This matters because VOCs spread more easily, creating rapid growth, which becomes much harder to get back under control.

COVID-19 pandemic.Dr. David Williams, the province’s chief medical officer of health, and Dr.

Justin Trudeau is pushing back against Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s accusation that the federal government’s procurement of COVID-19 vaccines is “a joke.”Trudeau took a poke at Ford during a virtual Liberal fundraiser Wednesday night with Procurement Minister Anita Anand, who is in charge of securing vaccines for Canada.He praised Anand for doing “an incredible job” that has resulted in Canada receiving millions more doses ahead of schedule.Indeed, Trudeau said the country is on track to have “most Canadians” injected with at least one dose of a vaccine “by the end of June, so we can have a better summer.” ‘It’s a joke’: Doug Ford slams feds’ COVID-19 vaccine procurement process Until now, wary of further production interruptions like

COVID-19 pandemic, and once again health officials are asking Guelph residents to spend the spring holiday at home.But Guelph’s medical officer of health said this is the last holiday that she is asking Guelphites to do that. Announcement coming Thursday on possible new COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario, Doug Ford says “This is the last holiday that I’m asking you please, please don’t gather with friends or family,” Dr.

COVID-19 vaccines since the rollout began on Jan. 6.This is an increase of 2,170 doses over what was reported the previous day.

COVID-19 cases and 71 additional variant cases on Wednesday, bringing the local total number of cases up to 7,699, including 1,266 variant cases and 198 deaths.Eleven of the new cases are in Bradford, while eight are in Barrie, eight are in New Tecumseth and six are in Innisfil. Ontario considering additional restrictions as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Doug Ford says The rest of the new cases are in Bracebridge, Collingwood, Essa, Orillia and Oro-Medonte.Four of Wednesday’s new cases are a result of close contact with another positive COVID-19 case, while one is community-acquired and another is outbreak-related.

COVID-19 restrictions amid rising cases and hospitalizations in the province.Ford made the remarks when asked about the current status of restrictions during a press conference Wednesday.“Stay tuned.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Tuesday that he’s extremely concerned with the rising hospitalizations due to COVID-19, and asked people not to make any plans for Easter.

Ontario’s premier has put the province on notice, that everything is on the table when it comes to dealing with rising case and ICU numbers. Shallima Maharaj reports.

COVID-19 vaccine supply despite positive news from the federal government Tuesday about speeding up shipments later this year, a spokesperson for the premier’s office says.Ivana Yelich, the director of media relations for Premier Doug Ford, provided an update in an email Tuesday regarding the current status of vaccine shipments.“Following today’s announcement from the federal government about increased shipments two months from now in June, we’ve received some questions about expected deliveries over the coming weeks,” Yelich said.“While this is good news that will enable provinces to use the full extent of their capacity sooner, it still does not solve the short-term instability of vaccine supply.” Canada getting 5M Pfizer doses ahead of

COVID-19 and is urging people not to gather over the Easter weekend.Ford says he is “extremely concerned” about rising infections and stressed that residents must follow public health rules.He would not specify what measures are being considered but says he will consult the province’s top doctor before making a decision.

Ontario’s education minister says that spring break for the province’s schools will not be postponed again.Stephen Lecce says the break scheduled for the week of April 12 will go ahead as planned while the government continues to follow advice from the province’s top doctor.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says the AstraZeneca vaccine is not recommended for people under the age of 55 due to concerns over reports of rare blood clots. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will pull the plug on the shot if need be.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday reacted to Prince Edward Island suspending use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, currently being used for those 18-39, and said they had been advised by the federal government and health officials the vaccine was still safe for those 55 and over.

vaccine drive.Hamilton is going into the strictest grey-lockdown phase of Ontario’s pandemic response plan today, while the Eastern Ontario Health Unit enters the second-strictest red zone.But as of today, those who live in grey zones will be able to attend fitness classes outdoors.Premier Doug Ford made that announcement Friday, when he also revealed that hair salons and other personal care services will be able to reopen in grey zones on April 12.

COVID-19 vaccine procurement Friday, calling it “a joke.”Ford made the comments after being asked about discrepancies in Ontario’s efforts to distribute vaccines to local public health units on a per capita basis.Ford said the “root cause” of any vaccine shortage at the municipal level is the federal government’s procurement process. Ontario reports largest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases in more than 2 months “We do not have enough vaccines from the federal government and it’s a joke,” the premier said.

COVID-19 vaccine doses from the province.Jim Watson said at a press conference Friday afternoon that Ottawa, which started offering coronavirus vaccinations to those aged 75 and older on Monday, could be moving in-step with Toronto in inoculating residents aged 70-plus if it had more doses flowing into the city.Ottawa has received 5.7 per cent of the total vaccine doses distributed by the province to date, according to Watson’s math, despite having roughly seven per cent of Ontario’s population.

COVID-19 pandemic.The online survey, conducted by polling firm Leger, found that 38.5 per cent of decided voters would vote for Premier Doug Ford’s Tories – slightly less than the 40.5 per cent they got in the 2018 election when they won a majority government.Ontario has been one of the provinces hardest hit by the pandemic, and the Ford government has been blamed for failing to protect people in long-term care homes, where the novel coronavirus has killed more than 3,750 residents.The province has also faced criticism from the opposition parties, unions and parents over its refusal to legislate paid sick days for workers, reduce class sizes in schools and for its often-confusing messaging on pandemic and vaccination protocols.

COVID-19, help small businesses and support families.But the promises contained in the budget the Progressive Conservatives unveiled Wednesday come at a steep cost – a $33.1-billion deficit that the province won’t be able to eliminate until 2029.About $6.7 billion will go toward pandemic-related measures, including $1 billion for the vaccine effort and an additional $2.3 billion for testing and contact tracing this year.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Tuesday confirmed that restaurant workers would be able to get vaccinated in Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout as they cannot work from home, adding he would look into whether taxi drivers would also be able to receive a shot during this phase.