COVID-19

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces new COVID-19 measures for Alberta in Calgary, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta introduces new rules, passport as COVID puts health system days from collapse

Alberta has more than 18,000 active COVID-19 cases

 

The BC Centre for Disease’s Control’s latest COVID-19 map shows new cases reported in each local health area between Sept. 5-11.

COVID-19 cases plummet across West Boundary, Kootenays

The latest numbers from the BC CDC offer hope that the 4th wave may be cresting in both regions

 

Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, puts on her protective mask after releasing details about a COVID-19 vaccination card that will be needed by anyone wanting to eat in restaurants, visit theatres or go to other events. She made the announcement at a news conference at the B.C. legislature in Victoria on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Restrictions eased for Interior businesses following vax card program

Liquor service again allowed after 10 p.m. in the Central Okanagan

 

Health Minister Adrian Dix at a news conference in the rotunda at legislature in Victoria on Wednesday May 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Health minister says Kamloops ER waiting room death will be reviewed

Dix said he couldn’t comment on the death specifically, but promised a ‘full and comprehensive’ review

  • Sep 9, 2021
Health Minister Adrian Dix at a news conference in the rotunda at legislature in Victoria on Wednesday May 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Royal Inland Hospital is in downtown Kamloops, at Columbia Street and Third Avenue. (Dave Eagles/Kamloops This Week)

Patient’s death in Kamloops ER sitting area came amid marathon wait for treatment

Another ER patient claims nurse informed those waiting there was a severe staff shortage

  • Sep 9, 2021
Royal Inland Hospital is in downtown Kamloops, at Columbia Street and Third Avenue. (Dave Eagles/Kamloops This Week)
The BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BC CDC) latest COVID-19 map shows a rise in new cases in the West Kootenay in the week of Aug. 29 - Sept 4, compared to the previous week. New cases generally fell in the East Kootenay in the same period.

New COVID cases rise in West Kootenay, generally fall to the east

This week’s numbers were released by the BC CDC on Wednesday, Sept. 8

The BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BC CDC) latest COVID-19 map shows a rise in new cases in the West Kootenay in the week of Aug. 29 - Sept 4, compared to the previous week. New cases generally fell in the East Kootenay in the same period.
Two-time heart transplant recipient Robbie Thompson, seen here with the family dog, Oreo, explains why mass vaccinations are important for immuno-compromised people like himself. Photo supplied.

Two-time B.C. heart transplant recipient urges COVID vaccine opponents to reconsider

Vancouver Island man asks people to consider the greater good

Two-time heart transplant recipient Robbie Thompson, seen here with the family dog, Oreo, explains why mass vaccinations are important for immuno-compromised people like himself. Photo supplied.
Classrooms will soon be busy as children across B.C. go back to school, again with pandemic procedures in place. (Black Press Media files)

Back to school: Children with special needs are being put in harm’s way, says Autism BC

‘How can my child on the spectrum be safe if the protocols are not in place,’ asks worried parent

Classrooms will soon be busy as children across B.C. go back to school, again with pandemic procedures in place. (Black Press Media files)
Telus has joined several other big Canadian companies, including the major banks, in making it mandatory for workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (file photo)

Telus joins federal government, major banks in making COVID jabs mandatory for staffers

Telus workers not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Oct. 15 to be tested 2 times a week

Telus has joined several other big Canadian companies, including the major banks, in making it mandatory for workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (file photo)
A BCAA survey found 68 per cent of respondents believe school zone traffic will be more chaotic than usual this year. (Joti Grewal/Langley Advance Times)

Distracted parents in drop-off zones a top concern for back-to-school rush: BCAA

About 72 students are injured in school zones every year, according to the roadside assistance company

A BCAA survey found 68 per cent of respondents believe school zone traffic will be more chaotic than usual this year. (Joti Grewal/Langley Advance Times)
Black Press Media files

Kootenay teacher’s union questioning relaxed COVID protocols as school is set to begin

Kootenay Columbia Teachers’ Union wants to see last year’s rules back in place

Black Press Media files
Ivermectin is a medication that is used to treat parasite infestations in dogs, cats and large animals. While a form of ivermectin that is safe for human consumption exists, it is not approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. (Pexels)

Some B.C. residents are seeking out horse dewormer to treat COVID-19

Misinformation about ivermectin has been spread online, identifying it as a treatment for COVID-19

Ivermectin is a medication that is used to treat parasite infestations in dogs, cats and large animals. While a form of ivermectin that is safe for human consumption exists, it is not approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. (Pexels)
(Unsplash photo)

Survey says 1 in 3 Canadians looking to cash in on a side hustle

24% of respondents consider direct selling a realistic option to make more money

(Unsplash photo)
General manager Lisa Sims said the board had to consider that up to 1,500 people would be in the stands for the lawnmower races at this year’s Rock Creek Fall Fair. These racers are pictured at the 2018 fair. Photo: Jensen Edwards

Rock Creek Fall Fair put off for another year

The fair’s board of directors had to consider a recent health order that sharply limited gatherings, says GM Lisa Sims

General manager Lisa Sims said the board had to consider that up to 1,500 people would be in the stands for the lawnmower races at this year’s Rock Creek Fall Fair. These racers are pictured at the 2018 fair. Photo: Jensen Edwards
Percentages of people aged 18-49 that have received two COVID vaccinations are very low in North Okanagan rural communities. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Enderby, Armstrong among fewest vaccinated in Interior Health

‘I think we’ll get there, but I don’t think we’ll get 100% vaccination rate,’ says Enderby mayor

Percentages of people aged 18-49 that have received two COVID vaccinations are very low in North Okanagan rural communities. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
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Several COVID-19 linked deaths at senior care homes in Interior Health region

In the last three days in the Interior Health region there are 768 COVID-19 cases

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Photo: BC Transit

Face coverings required on BC Transit buses

Policy applies to all communities in Interior Health

Photo: BC Transit
Dr. Nerine Kleinhans has provided an update on COVID-19 cases in Creston (Courtesy of Town of Creston)

‘The time is now’: Creston physician urges vaccination amid rising COVID infections

Just 55 per cent of Creston residents are fully vaccinated, among the lowest in Interior Health

Dr. Nerine Kleinhans has provided an update on COVID-19 cases in Creston (Courtesy of Town of Creston)
A B.C. Ferries vessel passes Bowen Island while traveling on Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, B.C., on Friday, April 23, 2021. A BC Ferries passenger was recovered from the waters near Bowen Island after going overboard Sunday, after another passenger witnessed them fall off the ferry mid-afternoon. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Government buoys BC Ferries with $308M amid all-time lowest passenger count

Without government funds, BC Ferries would have recorded $165M in losses for fiscal 2021

A B.C. Ferries vessel passes Bowen Island while traveling on Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, B.C., on Friday, April 23, 2021. A BC Ferries passenger was recovered from the waters near Bowen Island after going overboard Sunday, after another passenger witnessed them fall off the ferry mid-afternoon. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A 60-year-old COVID-19 patient fights for his life, desperately gasping for air as health-care staff provide life saving medical care in an emergency situation in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Surveys from the Ontario Medical Association suggest nearly three-quarters of physicians experienced at least some level of burnout when asked in 2021, up from 66 per cent the previous year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Experts warn B.C. on track to exceed record highs of new COVID-19 infections come fall

The B.C. COVID-19 Modelling Group is calling for increased safety measures to curb the spread

A 60-year-old COVID-19 patient fights for his life, desperately gasping for air as health-care staff provide life saving medical care in an emergency situation in the intensive care unit at the Humber River Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Surveys from the Ontario Medical Association suggest nearly three-quarters of physicians experienced at least some level of burnout when asked in 2021, up from 66 per cent the previous year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette