Tech

Pop-up clinic opens at La Ronde to increase youth vaccination rate – Montreal Gazette

Published

3 years ago

July 30, 2021

Another hot commodity was added Friday to the list of things people can line up for at La Ronde: a dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Author of the article:

Katelyn Thomas • Montreal Gazette

Although young people are the target of this weekend’s pop-up clinic at La Ronde, the site has the capacity to vaccinate anyone who wants a shot between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Photo by Dave Sidaway /Montreal Gazette

Another hot commodity was added Friday to the list of things people can line up for at La Ronde: a dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

In an effort to increase vaccination rates among youth, Montreal and Montérégie public health departments teamed up with the amusement park to offer first or second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot to visitors at a two-day pop-up clinic near the site’s main entrance.

“We need to reach the younger people, because the vaccination rate is not what it should be for a normal back-to-school,” said Annie Dufour, a media relations adviser for Montreal public health.

As of Friday, only one in three high school students aged 12 to 17 and one in two CEGEP and university students aged 18 to 24 were fully vaccinated, Dufour said.

“The target is 75 per cent, and with the Delta variant (Montreal public health director) Mylène Drouin thinks it should be even higher — 83 to 85 per cent. So you can see there’s a lot more to be done,” Dufour said. “I’m not saying it’s not going to happen, but we’re not in the safety zone yet.”

Although the target of the La Ronde initiative is youth, anyone is free to get the jab. Adult brothers Louis-Philippe and Jean-Sebastien Pichette were at the park to get season passes on Friday and decided to get their first doses when they noticed the site.

“I’m very satisfied and I feel great,” said Jean-Sebastien. “I didn’t go elsewhere because in the clinics it’s too risky, whereas at La Ronde there’s more room, it’s outdoors.”

Fifteen-year-old Élodie Durand, who was at the park with her two fully vaccinated sisters, decided to get her second dose a week and a half ahead of her appointment.

“If we can speed up the vaccination so as many people as possible can get vaccinated and we can get back to a minimum of normalcy, that’s just perfect,” she said. “I think us young people should get vaccinated because our education is our future, and we’ve already lost a year and a half of a normal (school) year.”

The pop-up clinic has the capacity to vaccinate anyone who wants a shot between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Montreal public health is hoping to reach about 600 people per day. On Friday morning, the site was administering about 30 vaccines per hour, and a team was roaming the park to let visitors know of the opportunity.

“If they have any fears, any questions, any hesitancy, (the team) will inform them about that, reassure them if they’re hesitant,” Dufour said, adding that the two main factors Montreal public health has noticed with people who haven’t been vaccinated are economic insecurity and ignorance. “Lack of information, we can do a lot about.”

Alexander Zakharov, who is heading to Concordia University in the fall, got his first dose Friday after struggling to make an appointment online.

“I think it’s a pretty convenient way to get your first or second dose,” he said. “I tried recently, actually, but I couldn’t since they were prioritizing people under 14 years old.”

Jessica Langevin-Bouthillier decided to wait until her scheduled appointment to get her second dose, however, in part because her first was Moderna.

“I already made plans to not go to work that day, so it’s just more convenient for me to wait until Monday anyways,” she said.

Dufour likened the effort to get the population vaccinated to a marathon.

“The last miles are the most difficult, but you don’t finish until you run them, and we need to run those last miles,” she said.

kthomas@postmedia.com

twitter.com/katelynthomas

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

5 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

5 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.