As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into a third year, many experts are expressing cautious optimism that Canada has passed the need for lockdowns and the widespread safety protocols that marked much of the last 24 months. But after two years of dealing with an unpredictable virus, they also say we should be ready to adapt…
Category: Community News
A hybrid COVID-19 variant nicknamed ‘Deltracron’ combines Delta and Omicron
In recent days, scientists have reported that a hybrid of the omicron and delta coronavirus variants has been popping up in several countries in Europe. Here’s what is known about the hybrid, which has picked up the Frankensteinian nicknames of deltamicron or deltacron. How was it found? In February, Scott Nguyen, a scientist with the Washington, D.C.,…
Is March Break really a break? How pandemic-weary parents can recharge and connect with children without a vacation
As students and families in some parts of Canada approach their spring breaks, busy parents and caregivers everywhere may be reminded of the COVID-19 pandemic’s two-year anniversary of March 13, 2020. On this day, the Canadian government issued warnings against all international travel. That was soon followed by school closures across Canada and globally. While some families who can afford vacations or…
Deltacron Alert: WHO warns against new COVID-19 variant; know what it is and how concerned should you be
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday stated that a new COVID-19 variant – a combination of the Delta and Omicron variants, dubbed ‘Deltacron’ – has been found circulating in parts of Europe. According to the officials, the new variant has been detected in France, the Netherlands and Denmark. Additionally, cases of the potential new…
WHO begins discussing when and how to declare end of pandemic
The World Health Organization is looking at the criteria needed to declare an end to the emergency. Public health experts at the World Health Organization have begun discussing how and when to call an end to the global Covid-19 crisis, exploring what would be an important milestone more than two years after the emergence of…
Lessons from two years of pandemic living
Two years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. “We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director-general. At the time, there were 118,000 cases and 4,291 deaths recorded worldwide. What followed was unprecedented global upheaval: Sweeping…
As restrictions ease, why people struggle with the COVID fear factor
Governments are signalling a transition toward a post-pandemic life, but for some people the threat of the virus still looms large. For two years, Ontarians were told to keep at least six feet apart from others, wear a mask in public spaces, get vaccinated and wash their hands vigorously to protect themselves and loved ones…
Restrictions are lifting and boosters are flowing, but the mental health of many isn’t improving
A February poll shows Canadians are less concerned about COVID-19, but rates of high anxiety and depression haven’t budged since October. At a time when COVID-19 restrictions are lifting and booster vaccines are flowing, many Canadians are still feeling significantly more depressed and anxious than before the pandemic — a trend that signals the mental health impact…
Parents with kids under age five feel ‘left behind’ with ending of mask mandates
TORONTO – Joanna Dales started to worry about her young children as soon she heard of Ontario’s plan to lift mask mandates in most settings, including schools and daycares, later this month. Her one-year-old daughter is set to start daycare on March 21 – the day the masking requirements end – and Dales said the…
COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the worst in people, pulled Canadians further apart, survey suggests
Findings based on survey carried out by the Angus Reid Institute, in partnership with CBC Two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic has left Canadians in a dour mood, with the majority saying the ordeal has significantly disrupted their lives, pulled Canadians further apart, brought out the worst in people and weakened their compassion for one another….