That’s the number of elderly Niagara residents fighting a COVID-19 infection.
Even as the local infection rate continues to slide downward and the most vulnerable are vaccinated, because of their age, those 72 people are at greatest risk of joining the growing list of Niagara’s pandemic dead.
By late Tuesday afternoon, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the region dropped to 520 — a low not seen since late December when the second wave was well on its way to a crisis point — and Niagara’s public health department had nearly completed three-quarters of the second round of Pfizer vaccine doses for long-term-care residents.
But the local death count, one of the highest in Ontario, is likely to continue to rise, said Niagara’s acting medical officer of health. Six new deaths were recorded Tuesday, and the region has only seen one death-free day in 39 days.
“These are people who are absolutely the most at risk of dying,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji. “Of those 520 cases, most of them will be younger people, but there is still a large number of those who, unfortunately, are still at risk.”
The number of elderly residents still fighting COVID-19 is the result of the wide community spread of the virus in December and January, which caused a spike of outbreaks and deaths among people aged 80 or older.
January was Niagara’s worse month of the pandemic to date, with 72 per cent of cases and deaths occurring during that month.
No less than 353 people with the virus have died since the pandemic hit Niagara last March.
Niagara’s COVID-19 numbers continued their downward trend Tuesday with only 13 new cases confirmed, a number last seen in the middle of November. Hirji said the average number of late is in the 20 to 43 new daily case range, so Tuesday’s figure is likely an outlier in the overall trend.
“I think we will get there eventually,” said Hirji, who continues to worry that Niagara’s infection rate, and the presence of novel coronavirus variants in Ontario, make next week’s economic reopening a very risky proposition for the region.
Hirji said by the end of the day Thursday, the public health department will have completed the second round of shots for long-term-care residents and will move on to the second round of injections for high-risk retirement home residents.
The health department has been very successful at squeezing extra doses out of the Pfizer vials — they are now approved by Health Canada for six doses instead of the original five — so Hirji said more long-term residents are being vaccinated than was originally planned for.
Initially, given limits of Pfizer supplies, only those residents who had not been previously exposed to the novel coronavirus were being vaccinated. Someone who recovered from the virus will have a degree of immunity, and would be vaccinated at a later date.
However, since public health has been able to stretch the supply, first-round shots have been started for people previously exposed.
“We do not know yet if the vaccine provides better immunity than a natural immunity at this point like vaccines do for diphtheria and HPV, but if it does not, it won’t do any harm,” Hirji said.
What the vaccines will do, however, is provide protection against the novel coronavirus variants, at least one of which has been able to reinfect people. The Pfizer vaccines appear effective against those strains of the virus and vaccinating previously infected residents could protect them against a possible third pandemic wave, and prevent a repeat of the second-wave fatalities.
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But for those elderly people with COVID-19, the immunization program has come too late. More than 60 per cent of Niagara residents with the virus who have died were older than 80 and 72 people in that demographic are fighting the infection.
There are 25 people, many of them elderly, in Niagara hospitals with COVID-19. There are 22 COVID-19 outbreaks still active in Niagara health-care facilities, including long-term-care homes. The most recent outbreaks were declared on Feb. 4 at Maple Park Lodge in Fort Erie and Feb. 6 at Linhaven Nursing Home in St. Catharines.
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.
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.
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.
