Sri Lanka revises COVID guidelines with effect from 1st March

the infamous Sunwing flight to Mexico that saw reality TV stars and influencers vape, sing and dance on board have been slapped with financial penalties.Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced on Tuesday that six revellers received “penalties” of up to $5,000 because they were not fully vaccinated when they boarded the flight to Cancun — but he did not disclose the exact amount of each of their fines.“Certain behaviours reported in connection with the flight on December 30, 2021, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Alghabra said in a press release.“This is why Transport Canada took immediate action. Aviation rules must be respected by everyone, for the sake of everyone’s safety.

COVID-19 mask mandate in the U.S. will be lifted by March 26, Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced Tuesday.No states will require masks indoors after 11:59 p.m.

Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said after two years, many adjustments will be needed as society moves from dealing with COVID-19 as a pandemic to living alongside it as an endemic disease.

It’s been exactly two years since Alberta’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, Alberta chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said while looking back at how the pandemic played out and where the province goes from here.

Starting March 14, Health Minister Jason Copping said Alberta youth between the ages of 12 and 17 will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as long as their second jab was at least five months ago.

COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday.In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, the Ministry of Health said Kieran Moore will “provide an update on Ontario’s plan to live with and manage COVID-19.”Moore is scheduled to deliver remarks at 11 a.m.The news comes as the province continues with its plan to gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier this month, capacity limits at indoor public spaces including restaurants and gyms were dropped.

Peter Andre revealed to fans that his mum Thea's health is "really declining" as she gets older.The 49-year-old star who is only one year away from turning 50, is oping to visit his elderly parents in Australia as soon as possible, with the current situation making him "sad".In particular, the last two years have been tough for Peter and his family due to the Covid-19 pandemic - with Australia enforcing a strict ban on travel.While the Mysterious Girl hitmaker had been looking forward to marking his milestone birthday, the chart topper also admitted that he is riddled with worry that Thea's health is getting progressively worse.The doting father of four wrote in his weekly New magazine column: "I feel great about being a year away from 50."I dreaded turning 40 but actually my forties have been really amazing, I feel relaxed, and in a very happy place career wise and personally."The only thing that worries me about turning another year older is that my parents are getting older and my mum's health is really declining, which makes me sad.""But everything else is going well and I feel great," he added.Just weeks ago, Peter was overwhelmed as he took to social media to share his glee that coronavirus restrictions were finally lifting in the country that he grew up in.Peter, who was born in London but raised in Australia had even toyed with the idea of moving back to his homeland but knew this would be tricky because of his four children and wife Emily who are UK-based.The singer showcased a news article from the BBC that stipulated restrictions changes down under.He said: "I am so, so, so, happy."As a desperate attempt to see his family, Peter even contacted the Australian embassy, explaining that his mother Thea had been

Three percent of 10,403 adults with COVID-19 pneumonia were diagnosed as having new-onset dementia after a median of 182 days, a significantly higher proportion than that observed with other types of pneumonia, finds a study yesterday in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.University of Missouri at Columbia researchers conducted a case

The World Health Organization (WHO) technical advisory group on COVID-19 vaccines today weighed in on potential updates to COVID-19 vaccines in light of emerging variants such as Omicron, outlining different options and what data are needed to guide new strategies.

PHILADELPHIA - The School District of Philadelphia said it will move ahead with its plan to make masks optional for students and staff on Wednesday. In a letter to families shared a week ago, Superintendent William Hite Jr. wrote that masks will be optional for students and faculty starting Mar.

COVID-19 can cause the brain to shrink, memory loss, U.K. study finds At least 130 staff cases are currently active at LHSC, down from 136 on Monday, March 7. Monday’s tally was the first update to be released by LHSC since Feb.

Adult COVID-19 survivors—even those with mild illness—who underwent scans showed changes in brain structure beyond that expected from normal aging, including in areas tied to smell and memory, according to a UK study published yesterday in Nature.

COVID-19 milestone on Tuesday as Waterloo Public Health says that more than 40,000 people have been officially cleared of the virus.The agency says that another 45 people are considered to be cleared of the virus, raising the total number of resolved cases in the area to 40,018. Ontario offering nurses up to $5,000 as job retention incentive Naturally, the numbers could be higher as the province limited testing availability a few months back once the fast-spreading Omicron variant established itself as the dominant strain throughout the province.Waterloo Public Health also reported another 38 positive tests for the coronavirus on Tuesday, lifting the total number of cases in the area to 40,896.This drops the rolling seven-day average number of new daily cases down to 49.

Image of an iHealth at home Covid-19 rapid antigen test supplied for free by the U.S. Postal Service.

The vast majority of adverse events (92%) recorded after people received the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines during the first 6 months of the US vaccine rollout were mild and transient, according to an observational study published yesterday in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

GENEVA - An expert group convened by the World Health Organization said Tuesday it "strongly supports urgent and broad access" to booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine amid the global spread of omicron, capping a reversal of the U.N. agency’s repeated insistence last year that boosters weren't necessary for healthy people and contributed to vaccine inequity.In a statement, WHO said its expert group concluded that immunization with authorized COVID-19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe disease and death amid the continuing spread of the hugely contagious omicron variant.

COVID-19 Tuesday afternoon.Jason Copping and Dr. Deena Hinshaw are scheduled to speak at 3:30 p.m.

COVID-19 cases in Eabametoong First Nation.The virus spread rapidly through the remote community located about 300 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., triggering a lockdown that shut stores and public facilities while residents were advised to self-isolate to prevent further infections.It all happened as the province was gradually lifting public health measures against COVID-19 and infection rates were declining in much of southern Ontario.In Eabametoong, however, about 170 of the community’s roughly 1,400 residents were ill with the virus in mid February, according to Chief Solomon Atlookan. Due to a limited number of homes and public facilities, it was a challenge for residents to isolate to curb the spread of COVID-19, he said.“It was a massive infection rate here in the community and it sort of took everybody by surprise,” Atlookan said in a phone interview.

COVID-19.The Assiniboine Park Zoo said Tuesday that it’s planning to vaccinate a total of 55 animals across species including Amur tigers, snow leopards, white-handed gibbons, squirrel monkeys, camels, goats, llamas, meerkats and more.The species that have the closest interactions with human caregivers are most at risk, as are cats and primates in general. COVID-19 — Canadian zoos prepare to vaccinate animals with experimental vaccine “Vaccination is a very common, safe and effective way of protecting animals in human care from a variety of illnesses,” the zoo’s director of veterinary services and animal welfare, Chris Enright, said in a statement.“In addition to other biosecurity protocols we have in place here at the zoo, vaccination against COVID-19 adds another layer of protection for the most vulnerable species in our care.”Enright said while there haven’t been any cases of COVID-19 diagnosed among Winnipeg’s animals, the virus has been found in other zoos — in some cases with fatal consequences.Assiniboine Park is one of a number of zoological facilities in Canada using a vaccine made specifically for animals against COVID-19.

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COVID-19 and a two-patient drop in pandemic-related hospitalizations Tuesday.Officials say 1,252 people were hospitalized with the disease across the province, after 98 patients were admitted and 100 left in the last day.Intensive care unit cases also decreased by two for a total of 77.The province also reported 935 new novel coronavirus cases, but the daily tally isn’t an accurate representation of the current situation since screening is limited to certain high-risk groups. As Quebec continues to reopen, what to do if you have COVID-19 The latest roundup shows 11,443 tests were administered Sunday.Quebec also saw the results of 398 rapid tests added to the government’s website in the past day, including 292 positive results.

With some provinces lifting mask mandates and other provinces in the process of doing so, there is cautious optimism about what the pandemic will look like for spring. Dr. Alex Wong discusses the latest COVID headlines.

With COVID-19 mask mandates dropped across Saskatchewan, both individuals and businesses have a choice to wear one or not.

COVID on Tuesday, with 246 in intensive care units.This is up by 86 hospitalizations but a decrease of three in ICUs since the previous day. Last Tuesday, there were 914 hospitalizations with 278 in ICU.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.Of the 779 people in hospital with COVID-19, 44 per cent of them were admitted because of the virus, while 56 per cent were admitted for other reasons but tested positive for COVID-19.Of the 246 people in ICUs with the virus, 82 per cent were admitted because of COVID, while 18 per cent were admitted for other reasons.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have announced that power cuts will be imposed on Wednesday (9).Groups ABCDEFGHIJ:2 1/2 hours from 8 AM to 6 PM 1 hr & 15 min from 6 PM to 11 PMGroups PQRSTUVW:2 hours from 9 PM to 5 PM1 hour from 5 PM to 9 PM

COVID infection can lead to shrinkage in the brain that can affect your sense of smell and other cognitive functions, a recent study has revealed.  Previously, several studies relating to COVID and its effect on the brain have been conducted, but most studies have focused on hospitalised patients with severe disease, and have been limited to post-infection data.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Like much of Central Florida, the rain came pouring down at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Monday night. Guests were seen running for cover in social media posts as streets became flooded.  Some came prepared with their ponchos in hands. This was a rare, summertime-style rain event where the Gulf of Mexico sea breeze collided with the Atlantic sea breeze over the Interstate 4 corridor.

The Minister for Health has said the highest number of people with Covid-19 "in quite some time" are being treated in hospitals.

COVID-19, including fully eliminating the province’s vaccine passport system this March and phasing out masks in public places in the spring.Businesses have also slowly started to reopen as the government and the province’s public health officials look for new ways to live with the novel coronavirus.Yet, even as the situation has improved in recent weeks, the pandemic is still underway nearly two years after it was declared. Quebec public health director says mask wearing will be a ‘personal choice’ With the changing rules, it’s hard to keep on top of what to do if you feel unwell.

PTI, "Taking all the available information in India -- epidemiological and virus variants -- and the global trend, we can be fairly confident that no fourth wave will occur, notwithstanding erudite mathematical model predictions. The model methodology is not valid in this situation,"

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to convene the Economic Council on a weekly basis with the objective of accelerating the economic growth in the country through the management of the entire economy by thoroughly discussing the local economic policies including macroeconomic policies, the behavior of the national economy after Covid – 19 pandemic situation, economic restructuring as well as the major development projects that directly affect the economic policies and financial policies of the government.The Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant their concurrence to the measures to be taken by the President to let implement the decisions taken by the relevant Ministries, Departments and Statutory institutions when necessary subject to the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers followed by the instructions and guidance of that Board as well as to invite intellects with esteem/standard in the respective fields as required for the meetings of the Economy board.Accordingly, the composition of the Economic Council is comprised as follows.• His Excellency the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksha (Chairman)• Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa• Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardhana• Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando• Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksha• Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage• Minister of Plantation Ramesh Pathirana• Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal• Secretary to the President Gamini Senerath• Secretary to the Treasury S. R.

ASTRO members Moonbin and Sanha have tested positive for COVID-19, days before the release of their new mini-album.Yesterday (March 7), the duo’s label Fantagio Music took to the boyband’s official fan café website to announce that the two members, who also form the sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha, have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.According to the agency, Moonbin had experienced cold symptoms on March 6, despite testing negative on self-test kits. He took another test the following day due to persisting symptoms, later testing positive on both the self-test and PCR test.

The families of healthcare workers who died with Covid-19 in the first phases of the pandemic will be eligible for a €100,000 payment from the State.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to increase the incentive allowance of migrant workers from Rs. 10/- per USD to Rs.

COVID-19 rules, and a mayor along the border says it’s time for B.C. to catch up.Sparwood Mayor David Wilks told Global News on Monday there has been a recent increase in visitors not following the mandate to wear masks in public indoor spaces and hesitating to show their proof of vaccination.British Columbia still requires both, while Alberta has dropped both.“We are starting to see people ignore those rules and enter buildings without masks, et cetera,” Wilks said.“The majority of people have COVID fatigue and are wanting to get rid of the restrictions.”With so much interconnectivity between the provinces, Wilks said, there should be consistent rules across Canada.B.C.

COVID-19 border restrictions have made that more complicated.In Bellingham on Monday, gas was on average US$3.45 a gallon, or about C$1.33 a litre.And in Point Roberts, a U.S. community just south of Vancouver and, if in a vehicle, only accessible through Canada, it was on average US$4.31 a gallon.

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© Crown copyright 2022 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

Covid-19 can damage the brain and addle thinking, scientists found in a study that highlights the illness’s alarming impact on mental function.

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posted a sign on their storefront which says:“The Fat Badger welcomes and supports the continued use of masking in our establishment. Harassment of any sort towards other patrons, masked or unmasked, will not be tolerated.”“We want you to be comfortable and we support you and we are going to support you if someone gives you a hard time,” said Nickerson.

With COVID-19 travel regulations easing, some Albertans have opted for European vacations once again. But amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, industry experts have some advice for people before they make their way to the continent.

B.C. health officials release a written report Monday, March 7, with the COVID-19 case numbers over the weekend.

As America enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and approaches the 2-year anniversary of business and school shutdowns put in place when little was known about the novel coronavirus, a group of public health experts have published a new roadmap laying out how the country can enter the "new normal" stage of the pandemic and manage the virus without eliminating it.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) tied to COVID-19 death rates varied by race and community type in the first year of the pandemic, suggests an observational spatial analysis involving 3,142 counties in all 50 US states and Washington, DC.

In a joint statement today, three global health groups urged countries to prioritize monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, given growing concerns that continued spread could create virus reservoirs in animals.

COVID-19 situation at the three major hospitals in Kitchener and Cambridge continues to improve, as on Monday Waterloo Public Health reported that there were 22 patients there suffering from the virus, including 12 who were in need of intensive care.Twenty-two is the lowest number of patients the hospitals have treated since the end of 2021. More than 6 million dead from COVID-19 as pandemic enters 3rd year That said, a new COVID-19 outbreak was reported at Grand River Hospital’s Freeport campus, which is one of seven active outbreaks in places of concern including four at hospitals.Another new one was also announced in a congregate setting while three others came to an end including one at the Fairview Mennonite Home in Cambridge, another in a congregate setting and a third in the shelter system.The outbreak in the shelter system had lasted for just under two months and had claimed the life of one person while 90 people had tested positive for the virus over its course.There were no new deaths reported by Waterloo Public Health on Monday, leaving the death toll at 400 including the 87 victims thus far this year.The agency also reported that there were 136 new positive tests for the coronavirus, lifting the total number of cases recorded in the area since the pandemic began to 40,858.This puts the rolling seven-day average number of new daily cases back to 49.3.