Health

COVID 19: No new deaths in Ontario on Monday – Ottawa Sun

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2021

Canada says it will soon ease border restrictions, thanks to a high vaccination rate, declining case counts and reduced pressure on hospitals.

Author of the article:

Joanne Laucius

File photo/ Peace Arch Border on September 15, 2020. Photo by Nikola Bennett /PNG

THE LATEST COVID-19 NEWS IN ONTARIO

Ontario colleges and universities should prepare for all in-person classes and activities to resume this fall without capacity limits or physical distancing requirements, the government says.

However, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities has told the institutions to have plans for how learning will continue in the event of COVID-19 outbreaks.

“While we must remain vigilant and responsive to the trajectory of COVID-19, I am optimistic that the (post-secondary education) sector will resume many of the cherished in-person experiences that have been on pause for so long,” deputy minister Shelley Tapp wrote in a recent memo to the institutions.

Tapp said it’s “anticipated” that all in-person instruction and on-campus activities will be allowed again this fall, after more than a year since they were paused due to the pandemic.

Universities and colleges will still have to follow all public health and workplace safety rules, including requiring masks indoors, Tapp said.

The schools will still have flexibility to offer teaching in a variety of ways that best suit their needs, Tapp wrote, including virtual and hybrid models.

In case of COVID-19 outbreaks, institutions must have a “continuity of education” plan ready by September, including information on health protocols in the event of an emergency and how instruction will continue if in-person learning is disrupted.

Specific guidance from the ministry on measures such as masks, screening and cleaning is set to be issued in early August.

The ministry is encouraging schools to use rapid antigen testing for routine screening of asymptomatic people, as well as wastewater surveillance for levels of COVID-19.

Universities and colleges across the country adopted a mostly-remote model starting in March 2020.

In a statement released on Friday as Ontario moved into Step 3 of its roadmap to reopen, the University of Ottawa said as government regulations and public health measures evolve and as Canada’s vaccination program progresses, the university is “ramping up its planning efforts in support of a progressive return to on‐campus activities for both students and employees this coming fall.

“Naturally, the situation will remain unpredictable during the coming weeks and months and we will continue to provide an iterative, agile, and flexible approach to ensure continued compliance with public health and safety requirements,” said the university.

A Carleton University working group concluded last spring that the COVID landscape would look very different in September and recommended that a significant proportion of courses, in particular seminar courses, labs, experiential learning and smaller classes, are expected to be offered on campus in a safe way — but some online offerings will be available to provide flexibility. The recommendation was confirmed by the university senate on April 30.

“We recommend that students return to Ottawa for fall 2021, recognizing that medical reasons or travel restrictions may limit the ability of some students to do so,” Carleton stated on its website.

“Where possible online options will be available for those students who are unable to travel to Ontario and/or return to campus.”

In a statement to the college community released Thursday, Algonquin College’s president and CEO Claude Brulé said the college’s leadership team is examining Step 3 regulations to determine how they may affect Algonquin’s existing plans by increasing the number of students.

“As for employees, in mid-August we will be in a better position to update you on what activities and who will be returning onsite for the fall term. For now, if you are working remotely, your position will continue to work remotely until your manager communicates the plans for your program or service.”

NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES IN OTTAWA AND ONTARIO

Ontario reported 130 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths on Monday, the 11th consecutive day in which COVID cases numbers in the province have remained below 200.

Six new deaths were reported Sunday across the province, with 177 new confirmed cases.

In total, there have been 548,347 confirmed cases and 9,294 deaths in the province since the pandemic began.

As of Monday morning, 115 were in hospital and 151 were in ICU due to COVID-related illness, with 94 in ICU on a respirator.

According to the Ontario figures, Toronto had the most new cases with 18 confirmed cases followed by 17 in Peel Region, 16 in the Waterloo region, 10 in Grey Bruce and 10 in Middlesex-London.

So far, more than 18.2 million doses of vaccine have been administered in Ontario, including 91,320 doses administered as of 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Ottawa Public Health reported only two new cases on Monday, down from five new cases reported on Sunday and seven new cases reported on Saturday.

As of Sunday, there were 25 actives cases in Ottawa and none in hospital or ICU.
In total, there have been 27,743 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa since the pandemic began and 593 deaths.

In the past 30 days, 54 per cent of cases have been caused by a variant of concern. In total, 9,092 cases and 101 deaths have been linked to a variant of concern.

THE LATEST COVID-19 NEWS IN CANADA

Canada says it will soon ease border restrictions, thanks to a high vaccination rate, declining case counts and reduced pressure on hospitals.

Fully vaccinated Americans will be allowed to enter for non-essential travel starting Aug. 9, the federal government announced Monday afternoon.

Then, on Sept. 7, “provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable,” the borders will be opened to fully vaccinated travellers from other countries.

The first phase, beginning in three weeks, will only apply to American “citizens and permanent residents of the United States currently residing in the U.S.”

Canada will “allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor,” the government said in a press release.

Ottawa’s Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport will be one of five additional Canadian airports receiving international flights carrying passengers, effective Aug. 9.

The five airports, in cooperation with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and Transport Canada, are working to implement the measures necessary to safely welcome international passengers as soon as possible after Aug. 9, as conditions dictate, said the Public Health Agency of Canada on Monday in a statement.

The other four airports in the announcement include Halifax Stanfield International Airport; Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport; Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport.

The government said that “entry to Canada will continue to be prohibited for U.S. travellers who are not fully vaccinated and for all other foreign nationals,” unless they already meet an exemption set out in the orders made under the Quarantine Act.

“To be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.”

These vaccines are approved in Canada: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

The government said fully vaccinated American travellers must:

* Provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions).
* Meet the pre-entry testing requirements.
* Be asymptomatic upon arrival.
* Have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation ready to show a government official on request.

The federal government Monday also announced that as of Aug. 9, Canada will eliminate quarantine requirements under which travellers arriving by air had to undertake a three-night stay at a government-authorized hotel.

The Ottawa International Airport Authority said it was “very pleased” with the announcement.

“After 16-plus months of severely restricted access, we are anxious to welcome business and leisure travelers back to Canada’s Capital Region. We have worked closely with our airport and federal government partners to ensure a safe travel process for passengers and employees alike,” said the airport authority’s statement.

“We are particularly pleased that YOW is among the airports approved for transborder and international landings and look forward to airlines returning service to YOW. Building back air service is key to our recovery and that of our tourism partners. Together, we will resume our roles as economic generators for our community.”

Meanwhile, the government cautioned that the epidemiological situation and vaccination coverage are not the same around the world and advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada.

“International travel increases your risk of exposure to COVID-19 and its variants, as well as of spreading it to others. Border measures also remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves.”

Meanwhile, the federal government is expecting to receive about 7.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week, as it adjusts its distribution strategy amid waning vaccination rates and substantial supply.

The new deliveries will include about 3.1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and four million doses of Moderna.

QUEBEC COVID-19 NEWS

Quebec has recorded 239 new cases of COVID-19 over the past three days, the provincial government announced this morning.

The province added 99 cases on Friday, 79 on Saturday and 61 on Sunday.

No new deaths were reported during that period. However, one new death was added to the tally; it occurred before Friday.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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Health

What’s the greatest holiday gift: lips, hair, skin? Give the gift of great skin this holiday season

Published

2 weeks ago

October 31, 2024

Press Release

Give the gift of great skin this holiday season

Skinstitut Holiday Gift Kits take the stress out of gifting

Toronto, October 31, 2024 – Beauty gifts are at the top of holiday wish lists this year, and Laser Clinics Canada, a leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare, is taking the pressure out of seasonal shopping. Today, Laser Clincs Canada announces the arrival of its 2024 Holiday Gift Kits, courtesy of Skinstitut, the exclusive skincare line of Laser Clinics Group.

In time for the busy shopping season, the limited-edition Holiday Gifts Kits are available in Laser Clinics locations in the GTA and Ottawa. Clinics are conveniently located in popular shopping centers, including Hillcrest Mall, Square One, CF Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre, Rideau Centre, Union Station and CF Markville. These limited-edition Kits are available on a first come, first served basis.

“These kits combine our best-selling products, bundled to address the most relevant skin concerns we’re seeing among our clients,” says Christina Ho, Senior Brand & LAM Manager at Laser Clinics Canada. “With several price points available, the kits offer excellent value and suit a variety of gift-giving needs, from those new to cosmeceuticals to those looking to level up their skincare routine. What’s more, these kits are priced with a savings of up to 33 per cent so gift givers can save during the holiday season.

There are two kits to select from, each designed to address key skin concerns and each with a unique theme — Brightening Basics and Hydration Heroes.

Brightening Basics is a mix of everyday essentials for glowing skin for all skin types. The bundle comes in a sleek pink, reusable case and includes three full-sized products: 200ml gentle cleanser, 50ml Moisture Defence (normal skin) and 30ml1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum. The Brightening Basics kit is available at $129, a saving of 33 per cent.

Hydration Heroes is a mix of hydration essentials and active heroes that cater to a wide variety of clients. A perfect stocking stuffer, this bundle includes four deluxe products: Moisture 15 15 ml Defence for normal skin, 10 ml 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum, 10 ml Retinol Serum and 50 ml Expert Squalane Cleansing Oil. The kit retails at $59.

In addition to the 2024 Holiday Gifts Kits, gift givers can easily add a Laser Clinic Canada gift card to the mix. Offering flexibility, recipients can choose from a wide range of treatments offered by Laser Clinics Canada, or they can expand their collection of exclusive Skinstitut products.

	Brightening Basics 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut, available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.

Hydration Heroes 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut – available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.

Health

Here is how to prepare your online accounts for when you die

Published

3 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Anne Joseph

LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?

It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.

Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:

Apple

The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.

For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.

You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.

Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.

Google

Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.

When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.

You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.

There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.

Facebook and Instagram

Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.

When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.

The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.

You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.

TikTok

The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.

Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.

It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.

Passwords

Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?

Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.

But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.

___

Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.

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Health

Pediatric group says doctors should regularly screen kids for reading difficulties

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2024

Anne Joseph

The Canadian Paediatric Society says doctors should regularly screen children for reading difficulties and dyslexia, calling low literacy a “serious public health concern” that can increase the risk of other problems including anxiety, low self-esteem and behavioural issues, with lifelong consequences.

New guidance issued Wednesday says family doctors, nurses, pediatricians and other medical professionals who care for school-aged kids are in a unique position to help struggling readers access educational and specialty supports, noting that identifying problems early couldhelp kids sooner — when it’s more effective — as well as reveal other possible learning or developmental issues.

The 10 recommendations include regular screening for kids aged four to seven, especially if they belong to groups at higher risk of low literacy, including newcomers to Canada, racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. The society says this can be done in a two-to-three-minute office-based assessment.

Other tips encourage doctors to look for conditions often seen among poor readers such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; to advocate for early literacy training for pediatric and family medicine residents; to liaise with schools on behalf of families seeking help; and to push provincial and territorial education ministries to integrate evidence-based phonics instruction into curriculums, starting in kindergarten.

Dr. Scott McLeod, one of the authors and chair of the society’s mental health and developmental disabilities committee, said a key goal is to catch kids who may be falling through the cracks and to better connect families to resources, including quicker targeted help from schools.

“Collaboration in this area is so key because we need to move away from the silos of: everything educational must exist within the educational portfolio,” McLeod said in an interview from Calgary, where he is a developmental pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

“Reading, yes, it’s education, but it’s also health because we know that literacy impacts health. So I think that a statement like this opens the window to say: Yes, parents can come to their health-care provider to get advice, get recommendations, hopefully start a collaboration with school teachers.”

McLeod noted that pediatricians already look for signs of low literacy in young children by way of a commonly used tool known as the Rourke Baby Record, which offers a checklist of key topics, such as nutrition and developmental benchmarks, to cover in a well-child appointment.

But he said questions about reading could be “a standing item” in checkups and he hoped the society’s statement to medical professionals who care for children “enhances their confidence in being a strong advocate for the child” while spurring partnerships with others involved in a child’s life such as teachers and psychologists.

The guidance said pediatricians also play a key role in detecting and monitoring conditions that often coexist with difficulty reading such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but McLeod noted that getting such specific diagnoses typically involves a referral to a specialist, during which time a child continues to struggle.

He also acknowledged that some schools can be slow to act without a specific diagnosis from a specialist, and even then a child may end up on a wait list for school interventions.

“Evidence-based reading instruction shouldn’t have to wait for some of that access to specialized assessments to occur,” he said.

“My hope is that (by) having an existing statement or document written by the Canadian Paediatric Society … we’re able to skip a few steps or have some of the early interventions present,” he said.

McLeod added that obtaining specific assessments from medical specialists is “definitely beneficial and advantageous” to know where a child is at, “but having that sort of clear, thorough assessment shouldn’t be a barrier to intervention starting.”

McLeod said the society was partly spurred to act by 2022’s “Right to Read Inquiry Report” from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which made 157 recommendations to address inequities related to reading instruction in that province.

He called the new guidelines “a big reminder” to pediatric providers, family doctors, school teachers and psychologists of the importance of literacy.

“Early identification of reading difficulty can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.

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