Senin, 30 November 2020

Canada will be among first countries set to receive Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shipments - The Globe and Mail

A sign marks the headquarters of Moderna Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass., on May 18, 2020.

Brian Snyder/Reuters

Canada will be among the first countries to receive vaccine shipments from Moderna, the biotechnology company’s chief medical officer said Monday, amid questions about how quickly the country will be able to administer COVID-19 vaccines to Canadians.

U.S.-based Moderna also announced Monday it is seeking approval for emergency use of its vaccine from U.S. and European regulators. But it is yet unknown how long it may take for Health Canada to approve Moderna’s vaccine and other COVID-19 vaccines that the federal government has ordered.

Tal Zaks, Moderna’s chief medical officer, told The Globe and Mail that Canada would receive doses from the company’s first batches of vaccines, and he anticipated the country would receive larger shipments by the early part of 2021.

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“I’m hopeful that you’ll see significant quantities coming to Canada [in the] first, second quarter of next year,” he said. “Those first batches are going to be initially small and it’s going to take some time as we ramp up and accelerate our global manufacturing capacity. But we’re going to do our best to supply this vaccine that has such a high efficacy to as many people as we can. Canada’s in the front row.”

Moderna is among the producers of leading vaccine candidates with which Canada has struck procurement agreements. Canada has agreed to buy 56 million doses from Moderna and 20 million from Pfizer. But questions about when and how these vaccines will be distributed to Canadians have sparked criticism of the federal government for falling behind other countries in producing detailed vaccine plans.

On Thursday, deputy chief public health officer Howard Njoo said that Ottawa was expecting a combined six-million doses from the two companies by March, pending approval by Health Canada. Since each vaccine is administered in two doses, that would be enough for three million Canadians.

In its primary efficacy analysis of its Phase 3 trial, Moderna said in a news release on Monday that based on 196 cases of COVID-19 among the 30,000 study participants, it estimated its vaccine was 94.1 per cent effective against COVID-19 and 100 per cent effective against severe illness. It also said it had identified no safety concerns to date.

The emergency use authorization that the company has applied for in the United States comes on the heels of a similar application by Pfizer. Officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that, if issued, this type of authorization is not the same as a regular approval and that the companies will be required to continue to study the performance and safety of their vaccines. Emergency use is generally only granted when it is determined that the benefits of providing the vaccine outweigh the risks. People in the U.S. who receive a vaccine under emergency authorization must be given a fact sheet that describes the investigational nature of the product and may choose to refuse it.

In Canada, both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently being considered under a rolling submission process that allows regulators to look at vaccine data while clinical trials are still in progress.

That way, “we can start the review with the hopes that that would help find some efficiencies in the overall process,” Supriya Sharma, a chief medical adviser at Health Canada, told The Globe.

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Steven Hoffman, director of the Global Strategy Lab and a professor of global health, law, and political science at Toronto’s York University, said the regulatory approval process is unlikely to present much of a hold-up in Canada. Instead, he said, the main issue will be how quickly companies can produce vaccines.

“Production is going to be the rate-limiting step,” Dr. Hoffman said.

Since the federal government placed orders for leading vaccine candidates at a relatively early stage, Canada should be in line with other rich countries to be the first to receive them, he said.

Dr. Hoffman said what is worrisome are the poorer countries, which have not been able to place vaccine orders and thus, will receive vaccines much later.

“That will end up creating inequities that will be felt in every country in the world because, of course, we live in a globally connected world,” he said. “So when some countries are left behind that ends up creating ripple effects that affect all of us.”

Joel Lexchin, an expert on pharmaceutical policy and professor emeritus in the faculty of health at York University, said it is important that Health Canada do its own reviews, instead of simply following the U.S. or European approvals.

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By following its own approval process, “it can independently evaluate the information it is presented and perhaps come up with its own conclusions,” he said.

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2020-12-01 02:12:54Z
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Ontario urged to expand COVID testing in schools in wake of 'scary' results at Thorncliffe Park - Toronto Star

Ontario is being urged to expand testing of staff and students — especially in hot spots — after the first site in Toronto uncovered some 19 cases at one elementary school.

“When it comes to our schools and the safety of our students ... we need a robust, fully staffed in-school testing program,” said New Democrat MPP Marit Stiles, her party’s education critic and a former trustee for the Toronto District School Board.

“Why, after all these months, is the government still reacting to this virus instead of listening to the experts, planning ahead and investing the resources necessary to keep our schools open and our students safe?”

Last week, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced the voluntary, asymptomatic testing program for four areas in the province with high numbers of COVID-19 cases — Toronto, Peel, York and Ottawa — leaving it up to boards and their local public health units to determine how to conduct the testing and where.

Toronto’s public and Catholic boards have announced initial locations for the testing, which began last Thursday at Thorncliffe Park elementary, where the 19 cases, including 18 students and one staff member, were found on that first day. Testing was to continue this week.

The board and public health have said the school does not need to be shut down because the cases were not transmitted in the school but rather the community, which has a much higher positivity rate.

Stiles said the province “has asked businesses to close, people have been asked to spend more and more time away from their families, and we owe it to staff and students and their families to test as much as possible.”

And, she added, “to me, the issue is protecting staff and students by knowing the extent” of COVID-19 cases, especially after the holiday break. “If we are going to have a safe and orderly return to class this New Year, we need to know exactly how many students have COVID.”

Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca said the 19 cases found at Thorncliffe Park is a “scary number” and shows the government should have started sooner.

“This will give parents a lot of anxiety,” he told reporters. “Ontario’s not been testing the way that we should be ... this government’s really late to the game.”

Green Leader Mike Schreiner said the result at Thorncliffe Park “highlights the need for additional testing, particularly in hot spot areas.”

In York Region, public health is working with the two local boards — public and Catholic — on school-based testing and hopes to reach about 4,000 students over the next three weeks, said Scott Cholewa, manager of infectious disease control.

It has designated 30 schools to target, and will be holding testing after school hours in local high schools. Some will be areas with recent or current cases, and some in areas where schools have had no cases — which it will use as a control group of sorts to “get a sense of baseline, asymptomatic positive level” — and areas that are “testing deserts” in the region, notably King Township and Georgina.

High schools were chosen as testing locations because “they have gyms, and have outside access or are larger and can accommodate people, and the structure can allow one way in, one way out, and no mixing of individuals who come in for testing,” Cholewa said, but both elementary and secondary students will be eligible.

Saliva testing will be used, “which is a less intrusive form of testing” then the typical nasopharyngeal swab, but with comparable accuracy, he added.

He said two different school testing sites will be set up this week, two the following week and the week before the holidays will have three sites.

Lecce said the provincial testing program is already working, given the findings at Thorncliffe Park school.

“Identifying COVID cases, isolating them or moving them from the school, so we don’t have spreaders within the school. That is what the program is designed to do. It is what is taking place,” he said.

As well, he added “part of the benefit of having asymptomatic testing in those high-risk communities … is to provide us with more data to better understand not just where the risk is, but how we could further counter it.”

Stiles said she and MPP France Gélinas, her party’s health care critic, urged a province-wide school surveillance program in the summer and “it never happened.”

She said she can’t understand what took the government so long to act.

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Lecce, however, noted that “there are 86 per cent of schools in this province that have no active case at all” and that the province continues to announce “additional surge funding” for schools in areas with growing COVID cases.

Provincial statistics released Monday show that 670 or 14 per cent of the 4,828 schools have known cases of COVID-19, but the Thorncliffe results are throwing that statistic into question.

Four schools in Ontario are now closed because of outbreaks.  

Kristin Rushowy

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2020-12-01 00:47:49Z
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Don't want the COVID-19 vaccine? You could lose access to normal life, says U.K. minister - CBC.ca

People who refuse a vaccine for COVID-19 could find normal life curtailed as restaurants, bars, cinemas and sports venues could block entry to those who don't have proof that they're inoculated, Britain's new vaccine minister said on Monday.

Several major COVID-19 vaccines have been announced in recent weeks, raising hopes that the world could soon return to some semblance of normality after the coronavirus killed 1.46 million people and wiped out a chunk of the global economy.

The British minister responsible for vaccine rollout, Nadhim Zahawi, said getting vaccinated should be voluntary but that Google, Facebook and Twitter should do more to fact-check opposing views of vaccines.

Asked if the U.K. would introduce an immunity passport, Zahawi said a person's COVID-19 vaccine status might be included in a phone app, similar to the Test and Trace app used by the National Health Service, that would inform local doctors of a person's status.  

"I think you'd probably find that restaurants and bars and cinemas and other venues, sports venues, will probably also use that system as they've done with the [Test and Trace] app," he said.

"The sort of pressure will come both ways: from service providers — who will say 'look, demonstrate to us that you have been vaccinated' — but also, we will make the technology as easy and accessible as possible."

Health authorities in many countries have become increasingly concerned in recent years by the growth of anti-vaccine groups, which are especially active on social media.

Zahawi declined to give any specific date for a vaccine rollout as none have yet been approved for public use.

The message, he said, should be that a vaccine is good for the community and the country.

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2020-11-30 23:33:00Z
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Moderna designed its coronavirus vaccine in 2 days — here’s how - Global News

After less than a year in the making, Moderna announced promising results for its coronavirus vaccine on Monday, saying it plans to apply for emergency use authorization in the United States and Europe.

In early January, when the novel coronavirus was still a mysterious disease in China, the U.S. biotech company started chasing a potential vaccine.

Read more: Moderna says coronavirus vaccine 94.1% effective, requests U.S., Europe approval

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said he read an article about the coronavirus in Wuhan, which was quickly spreading throughout the region at the time.

Bancel said he immediately reached out to the Vaccine Research Center at the U.S.’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to Boston Magazine. He wanted to start looking into a vaccine using messenger RNA (mRNA) technology — an approach that had never been licensed before.

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Moderna and the NIH had previously been working on mRNA technology, a new way to make vaccines without using weakened or dead pieces of a virus.

Traditional vaccines are made from a weakened or a dead virus, which prompts the body to fight off the invader and build immunity. These vaccines take time to develop as scientists have to grow and inactivate an entire germ or its proteins.

But Moderna’s mRNA technology used synthetic genes, which can be generated and manufactured in weeks and produced at scale more rapidly than conventional vaccines.

Click to play video 'Coronavirus: Canadians moving away from idea of mandatory vaccine says Ipsos poll' Coronavirus: Canadians moving away from idea of mandatory vaccine says Ipsos poll
Coronavirus: Canadians moving away from idea of mandatory vaccine says Ipsos poll

The mRNA technology meant Moderna only needed the coronavirus’s genetic sequence to make a vaccine and did not have to grow a live virus in a lab.

[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]

And on Jan. 11, Chinese health authorities released the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus.

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That’s all Moderna needed to get started.

Two days later, the company and the NIH designed the sequence for its coronavirus vaccine, called the mRNA-1273.

Read more: Canada ‘in the top 5’ on list to receive coronavirus vaccines 1st, minister says

“Two days is very possible because from the moment when the sequence of virus was published by China scientists, it became public … Any person can take this information and do whatever he or she wants,” Levon Abrahamyan, a virologist at the University of Montreal, explained.

“In this case, Moderna wanted to design a platform to use a vaccine … They wanted to know what is the sequence for the spike protein in the virus.”

After Moderna successfully designed the sequence for the vaccine, the company moved its candidate from a lab to human trials within two months.

On March 4, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved clinical trials for Moderna’s vaccine, and on March 16, the first participant in the Phase 1 trial was vaccinated.

The mRNA technology is what put Moderna ahead in the race for a COVID-19 vaccine, Abrahamyan said.

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“Moderna had been developing mRNA vaccines before this. None of them had been approved yet, but now this was a pathway to develop these future vaccines,” he said.

“Moderna was risky in using this new technology. Most pharma companies prefer to use old-fashioned technologies.”

He said the risk seemed to have paid off, as the Phase 3 results Moderna released Monday looked “very promising,” and could possibly change the way we produce vaccines in the future

Abrahamyan added that although the vaccine was developed in less than a year — vaccines normally take up to 10 years to make — it does not mean safety was compromised. It’s just that the mRNA technology allows scientists to produce vaccines at a quicker speed.

Commentary: How Pfizer’s and Moderna’s mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines work

“The mRNA approach allows you to skip many steps of the traditional vaccine production pipeline because you don’t have to choose the viral strain or grow the virus in a lab, which is very time-consuming,” he said.

Instead, the mRNA technology skips this step, and scientists are able to produce a synthetic version by using a computer.

Moderna has been manufacturing its mRNA-1273 vaccine for several months and says approximately 20 million doses will be available by the end of the year.

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The company also remains on track to manufacture 500 million to one billion doses globally in 2021, it said.

Click to play video 'Canada inks deals to secure millions of coronavirus vaccine doses' Canada inks deals to secure millions of coronavirus vaccine doses
Canada inks deals to secure millions of coronavirus vaccine doses – Aug 5, 2020

Canada signed a deal in September for 20 million doses to be delivered at the beginning of 2021, with the option of increasing the supply to 56 million doses.

Health Canada has been conducting a rolling review of vaccine data as it becomes available, and last week said it has “similar timelines” to the U.S. and Europe for approval of some vaccine candidates.

Last week officials said Canada could get its first batch of vaccines — including Moderna’s — in January or February of 2021, with a goal of vaccinating the “majority” of Canadians who want one by September.

© 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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2020-11-30 19:05:15Z
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Freeland to deliver Liberal plan to revive Canada's post-pandemic economy today - CBC.ca

The federal government will release its long-awaited fiscal update today — a spending plan to help Canadians cope with COVID-19 while recharging the national economy and key sectors battered by the global crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will rise in the House of Commons at 4 p.m. ET today to outline details of her plan to both boost job creation and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Government sources have told CBC News the plan will include new but time-limited spending measures to support hard-hit industries and vulnerable Canadians, while laying the groundwork for the policy priorities presented in September's speech from the throne.

CBC will have live coverage of today's fiscal update starting at 4 p.m. ET. Watch it on CBC News Network, listen to it on CBC Radio One or stream it on CBC Gem or our CBC News app.

The update comes in the wake of optimistic reports suggesting promising vaccine candidates could roll out early in the new year — and as COVID-19 caseloads continue to grow alarmingly in some parts of the country. Numbers have reached record highs in some regions, prompting new or extended restrictions and business closures.

The measures in today's economic statement are expected to include:

  • Support for airlines and the tourism and hospitality sector, hit hard by heavy losses due to border closures and lockdowns. The sources suggest the update will include assistance for airlines, hotels and restaurants, and for the companies that supply them.
  • Money to help long-term care homes stop the spread of infections.
  • Support to help women return to work.
  • Stimulus spending for infrastructure projects tied to the government's promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the economic recovery.

Record deficit projected

The government has not tabled a budget for this fiscal year, but in July delivered what it called a "fiscal snapshot" that projected the deficit would hit a record $343.2 billion.

The Trudeau Liberals last delivered an actual budget in March 2019, when they were still in their first mandate.

The Trudeau government has pushed back at calls to deliver an economic forecast since the current health crisis began, maintaining that the pandemic made it impossible to accurately predict economic growth or the scope of necessary emergency spending.

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole said the government's delays in procuring rapid testing and vaccines have put workers and the economy in a "risky" situation.

"There is no plan for the economy if we don't have rapid testing and vaccines as swiftly as possible," he said during a news conference in Ottawa Sunday.

"We're already seeing small businesses teetering on the edge. That is leading to the uncertainty and the concern out there about the wellbeing of tens of thousands of Canadian families that have invested everything in their restaurant or their autoshop or a range of businesses that are close to bankruptcy."

WATCH | What to expect in the long-awaited fiscal update:

CBC News’s David Cochrane breaks down what Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to announce in Monday's federal fiscal update, including details on the deficit and new pandemic spending. 1:16

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said today's update is the perfect opportunity to announce "bold measures" to address the needs of the Canadians most severely affected by the pandemic.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how fragile the services that were supposed to help people are, and the importance of strengthening our social safety net so that no one is left behind," he told CBC News.

NDP pushes for child care support

The NDP is calling on the federal government to fund child care services that would allow more parents to return to work safely. It's also pressing the government to launch a universal pharmacare program.

Green Party Leader Annamie Paul said it's not enough for the government to present a "laundry list" of spending today. With a vaccine expected next year, she said, it must present a green recovery plan with economic and social investments.

"With a glimmer of hope on the horizon, it is vital that we seize this moment to prepare a green recovery plan that will engage every possible innovation, technology and resource at Canada's disposal to enhance our ability to face challenges," she said. 

The Green Party is calling for a guarantee that any supports the Liberals offer carbon-intensive sectors are "responsible and conditional." It also wants to see larger investments in projects and sectors that speed up progress toward a net-zero emissions economy.

Business hopes to see long-term growth plan

Business groups say they hope to see a plan today that charts a course through the ongoing crisis to long-term economic recovery and growth.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Perrin Beatty said he wants to see a shift from broad supports to smaller, more targeted federal programs to help the most vulnerable Canadians and sectors, including the restaurant, accommodation, arts and entertainment and retail sectors.

He said he hopes to see a plan that will boost Canada's business investment and competitiveness — and not a suite of "unaffordable" new permanent programs.

"Even as we navigate our way through this second wave of the pandemic, Canada needs its government to set the conditions for a strong, business-led recovery. Canadian families and businesses continue to pay a high price because of COVID-19, and the hard work of getting Canada's economy ready for recovery must start now with a clear and coherent plan," he said in a media statement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland responds to a question in the House of Commons Monday, November 23, 2020. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Cash-strapped municipalities are also looking for good news in today's statement.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities president Garth Frizzell said he hopes to see "clear successor arrangements" to the safe restart agreement, which saw the federal government set aside $19 billion for the provinces to help them weather the second wave and drive job growth post-pandemic.

"The fall economic statement is an opportunity to build on the federal-municipal partnership that has kept Canadians safe, and essential front line services running strong, since the beginning of the pandemic," he said.

"They rely on us to keep doing that through 2021, and that's why municipalities need to see a clear commitment that the federal government will continue to work with us to ensure support for municipal operating and transit costs."

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2020-11-30 16:37:00Z
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S&P Global announces $44 billion purchase of IHS Markit - CNN

S&P Global (SPGI) is one of the leading providers of credit ratings, analytics and indexes used to assess the global financial markets. It provides a leading index of US home prices as well as the bellwether S&P 500 market index and the Dow Jones industrial average.
IHS Markit (INFO) offers analytics and economic measures, particularly the surveys of purchasing managers in different nations around the globe that are closely watched by economists.
The deal shows the growing importance and value of financial data firms to global financial markets. Other major players in the field include Bloomberg, FactSet and Refinitiv.
The deal is expected to close in the second half of next year. It is the largest announced this year, according to DealLogic, surpassing a $40 billion purchase by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NPPXF) of one of its partly-owned subsidiaries, and a proposed $40 billion purchase of British chip designer ARM by Nvidia (NVDA).
The companies said they expect be able to cut combined annual costs by about $480 million, which could mean job cuts, as often happens in mergers. At the end of last year, S&P had 22,500 worldwide employees, of whom about 5,500 were based in the United States. London-based IHS Markit had 15,500 employees. The combined company will be based in New York.
Shares of IHS Markit rose about 6% in premarket trading on the news.
IHS Markit is itself the product of a relatively recent merger. Back in 2016, IHS acquired Markit in a deal valued at $13 billion.

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2020-11-30 12:37:00Z
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Ontario logs more than 1700 new cases of COVID-19 as positivity rate inches higher - CTV Toronto

TORONTO -- Ontario is reporting more than 1,700 new COVID-19 infections Monday morning as the province’s positivity rate inches closer to five per cent.

Health officials added 1,746 cases, which is up slightly from the 1,708 infections added a day earlier.

With 39,406 tests completed in the last 24 hours the province’s COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 4.6 per cent, the highest it’s been since last Wednesday. The number of tests processed is down considerably from the province's daily testing goal of 50,000 which it exceeded for three straight days prior. 

Monday’s report brings the total number of COVID-19 infections in Ontario to 116,492, including deaths and recoveries.

Eight more deaths were recorded in the previous day pushing the province’s COVID-19 death toll to 3,656.

As well, 1,320 cases are now considered to be resolved by the ministry of health. At least 98,639 people who contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic have since recovered.

Most of the cases added Monday were found in people between the ages of 20 and 39. Those 645 lab-confirmed infections push the case total for that age group to 42,460, the most in the province.

Another 526 cases were reported in people between the ages of 40 and 59 while 234 cases were logged in people 19 years of age and younger.

At least 233 cases were documented in people between the ages of 60 and 79 and 106 cases were found in those 80 years of age and older.  

Toronto reports record number of cases, Windsor-Essex moves to 'red zone'

A record 622 cases were reported in Toronto , one of two areas currently observing the lockdown measures of the province’s COVID-19 framework.

Peel Region is also under lockdown and reported 390 new cases.

York and Durham regions both reported new case numbers in the triple digits and are currently in the province’s “red zone,” which places a cap on indoor gatherings and non-essential activities.

The City of Hamilton, Halton and Waterloo are also observing the same restrictions and all reported new case numbers in the double digits.

Windsor-Essex reporter 38 new cases and moved into the “red zone” earlier this morning.

There are currently 618 patients in Ontario hospitals with COVID-19. Of those, 168 are being treated in an intensive care unit and 108 are on a ventilator.

Some 39,000 COVID-19 tests remain under investigation.

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2020-11-30 15:13:00Z
CBMieGh0dHBzOi8vdG9yb250by5jdHZuZXdzLmNhL29udGFyaW8tbG9ncy1tb3JlLXRoYW4tMS03MDAtbmV3LWNhc2VzLW9mLWNvdmlkLTE5LWFzLXBvc2l0aXZpdHktcmF0ZS1pbmNoZXMtaGlnaGVyLTEuNTIxMDA0NtIBAA

Moderna says will request US, Europe vaccine authorisation Monday - Aljazeera.com

Authorisation requests in the US and Europe to come after results confirm a high efficacy estimated at 94.1 percent.

US firm Moderna said it would ask US and European regulators on Monday to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection — ramping up the race to begin limited vaccinations as the coronavirus pandemic worsens.

“Moderna plans today to request EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) from the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration),” Moderna said in a statement, adding it would also “apply for a conditional marketing authorization with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).”

Multiple vaccine candidates must succeed for the world to stamp out the pandemic, which has been on the upswing in the US and Europe.

US hospitals have been stretched to the limit as the nation has seen more than 160,000 new cases per day and more than 1,400 daily deaths.

Since first emerging nearly a year ago in China, the virus has killed more than 1.4 million people worldwide.

Moderna is just behind Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech in seeking to begin vaccinations in the US in December.

Across the Atlantic, British regulators also are assessing the Pfizer shot and another from AstraZeneca.

Moderna created its shots with the US National Institutes of Health and already had a hint they were working, but said it got the final needed results over the weekend that suggest the vaccine is more than 94 percent effective.

Of 196 COVID-19 cases so far in its huge US study, 185 were trial participants who received the placebo and 11 who got the real vaccine.

The only people who got severely ill — 30 participants, including one who died — had received dummy shots, said Dr. Tal Zaks, the Cambridge, Massachusetts, company’s chief medical officer.

When he learned the results, “I allowed myself to cry for the first time,” Zaks told The Associated Press.

“We have already, just in the trial, have already saved lives. Just imagine the impact then multiplied to the people who can get this vaccine.”

Moderna said the shots’ effectiveness and a good safety record so far — with only temporary, flu-like side effects — mean they meet requirements set by the US Food and Drug Administration for emergency use before the final-stage testing is complete.

The European Medicines Agency, Europe’s version of FDA, has signaled it also is open to faster, emergency clearance.

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2020-11-30 12:21:12Z
52781216634638

Minggu, 29 November 2020

ICU admissions near 100 in Alberta, 1,608 new COVID-19 cases - Calgary Herald

Article content continued

The current outbreak at Clifton Manor, in southeast Calgary, has had 41 positive cases, 39 of which are active, with one recovery and one death. This is the second outbreak at Clifton Manor. The first resulted in seven deaths and 38 recoveries.

The Clifton Manor long-term care home in Calgary’s southeast, as seen on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Photo by Brendan Miller/Postmedia

Hundreds of anti-maskers rally in Calgary

Saturday’s anti-mask protest of approximately 1,000 people in front of city hall was led by a group called Walk for Freedom, which said on social media it was rallying to “protect our Charter rights.”

On Friday, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi called anti-mask rallies “illegal” due to provincial limits on outdoor gatherings.

New provincial rules introduced Tuesday restrict outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 10 people and many municipalities, including Calgary, have bylaws making the use of face coverings mandatory in many settings, though they aren’t required outdoors.

“Of course, police will always use their discretion in cases like this. They don’t want the enforcement to cause more danger for people,” Nenshi said. “Whether you agree or disagree, it is your right to assemble peacefully, however right now the law says you can only assemble in a group of 10.”

The same day, Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu said the province expected enforcement of COVID-19 public-health orders to ramp up, granting 700 additional peace officers across the province the powers to issue fines starting at $1,000 for egregious violations.

“As minister of justice, my expectation is that those who are in violation of the measures that we have put in place would have to be held accountable,” Madu said.

Shawn Rupchan with the Calgary Police Service said there wasn’t enforcement at the rally itself but there could be something on followup.

— With files from Jason Herring

sbabych@postmedia.com
Twitter: @BabychStephanie

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2020-11-29 23:38:18Z
52781215512874

N.S. reports 11 new COVID-19 cases; active cases rise to 126 - CTV News Atlantic

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to 126.

Ten of the cases are in the Central Zone, one case is in the Western Zone.

With new COVID-19 restrictions having come into effect on Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says it’s crucial that residents make a collective effort.

“By following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus,” said McNeil in a press release on Sunday. “And wherever you live in the province, we all have a role to play, by limiting non-essential travel and following all the protocols – limit social contacts, practise social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands. This is how we will flatten the curve.”

“No matter where you live in Nova Scotia, it is important to follow all public health measures,” said Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang. “While the majority of the cases are in the Central Zone, COVID-19 can easily find its way into other parts of the province. We must all remain vigilant and continue working to limit spread within, and beyond, Halifax.”

NEW SCHOOL-BASED CASE

On Sunday evening, the province noted an additional case was identified. The case is connected to the Northeast Kings Education Centre in Canning, N.S., located in the Western Zone.

Northeast Kings Education Centre has been closed since its first case of COVID-19 was announced on Tuesday. The province says a public health investigation in the coming days will determine whether the latest case was a close contact of the first confirmed case. The province notes that given the school has been closed, the new case is not believed to have been in school while infectious.

To allow for completion of contact tracing and testing, and out of an abundance of caution, Northeast Kings Education Centre will remain closed for the week and students will be supported while they learn at home.

As with any positive COVID-19 case, public health will be in touch with any close contacts of the case and advise them on next steps. Everyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

CASE BREAKDOWN

On Saturday, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,254 Nova Scotia tests.

Since October 1, Nova Scotia has had 44,909 negative test results and 201 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 75 cases are considered resolved and no one has died as a result of the novel coronavirus, leaving 126 active cases in the province.

There is no one in hospital due to COVID-19.

The province's confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 70.

There are cases confirmed across the province, but most have been identified in the Central Zone, which contains the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The provincial government says cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system. On Sunday, the province noted the website would not be updated on that day due to technical difficulties.

RAPID TESTING

On Saturday, 540 tests were administered at a rapid-testing pop-up site in Dartmouth with one positive result. The individual was directed to self-isolate and has been referred for a standard test.

Despite seeing only one positive result during Saturday's rapid testing and lower new case numbers, Microbiology expert, Dr. Todd Hatchett, continues to urge caution.

"There is usually a two-week lag from a peak," says Hatchett, who was present at a rapid testing event at the Woodlawn Public Library in Dartmouth on Sunday. "We are not past that point where we can say those people who had contacts cannot spread those infections."

Hatchett says a lot of the success in fighting COVID-19 is happening on the front lines of community-based rapid testing sites.

At rapid testing sites, volunteers ask individuals a series of questions, including questions about the COVID-19 status of their close contacts and family. After being questioned, individuals take a rapid test.

"I think it's wonderful that they put this together," says resident Ruby Blois. "It's a lot of amazing volunteers. I'll give them full marks for a great effort."

Rapid testing site volunteer Patrick LeClair – who has no medical science background – signed up to help as a form of community service. He notes training for volunteers is thorough.

"Every time I come in, they run us through the training," says LeClair. "This is a great opportunity to be a part of this; this is a great opportunity and a historic moment here in Nova Scotia and across the world."

Dr. Lisa Barrett says the sites are staffed and managed by doctors and trained medical professionals; however, to be successful, they rely on volunteers.

"We asked for volunteers from the community, and we have got them, overwhelmingly," says Barrett.

Volunteer duties include asking screening questions, processing results, and administering the actual COVID-19 test.

"A week ago, if you told me I would be swabbing people for COVID-19, I would not have believed that," says LeClair. "It's great to be here to help people through the process."

Barrett notes volunteers range from younger people to older people from diverse career backgrounds – all appreciated for their efforts.

"People learn very quickly, and they are good at it," says Barrett. "There is no one who has trained to be a swabber or tester who has actually not performed really, really well."

Meanwhile, rapid testing sites are planned at various locations throughout the HRM in the coming weeks, as well as select parts of Nova Scotia outside of the city.

COVID ALERT APP

Canada’s COVID-19 Alert app is available in Nova Scotia.

The app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play, notifies users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

LIST OF SYMPTOMS

Anyone who experiences a fever or new or worsening cough, or two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms, is encouraged to take an online test or call 811 to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose/nasal congestion

SELF-ISOLATION AND MANDATORY MASKS

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.

Anyone who travels to Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic region for non-essential reasons is required to self-isolate for 14 days and must fill out a self-declaration form before coming to the province. Travellers must self-isolate alone, away from others. If they cannot self-isolate alone, their entire household must also self-isolate for 14 days.

Residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are not required to self-isolate when travelling to Nova Scotia, but they must be prepared to provide proof of their place of residency at provincial borders.

Visitors from outside the Atlantic region who have already self-isolated in another Atlantic province for 14 days may travel to Nova Scotia without having to self-isolate again.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia.

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2020-11-29 23:33:00Z
52781205123140

N.S. reports 11 new COVID-19 cases; active cases rise to 126 - CTV News Atlantic

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to 126.

Ten of the cases are in the Central Zone, one case is in the Western Zone.

With new COVID-19 restrictions having come into effect on Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says it’s crucial that residents make a collective effort.

“By following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus,” said McNeil in a press release on Sunday. “And wherever you live in the province, we all have a role to play, by limiting non-essential travel and following all the protocols – limit social contacts, practise social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands. This is how we will flatten the curve.”

“No matter where you live in Nova Scotia, it is important to follow all public health measures,” said Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang. “While the majority of the cases are in the Central Zone, COVID-19 can easily find its way into other parts of the province. We must all remain vigilant and continue working to limit spread within, and beyond, Halifax.”

NEW SCHOOL-BASED CASE

On Sunday evening, the province noted an additional case was identified. The case is connected to the Northeast Kings Education Centre in Canning, N.S., located in the Western Zone.

Northeast Kings Education Centre has been closed since its first case of COVID-19 was announced on Tuesday. The province says a public health investigation in the coming days will determine whether the latest case was a close contact of the first confirmed case. The province notes that given the school has been closed, the new case is not believed to have been in school while infectious.

To allow for completion of contact tracing and testing, and out of an abundance of caution, Northeast Kings Education Centre will remain closed for the week and students will be supported while they learn at home.

As with any positive COVID-19 case, public health will be in touch with any close contacts of the case and advise them on next steps. Everyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

CASE BREAKDOWN

On Saturday, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,254 Nova Scotia tests.

Since October 1, Nova Scotia has had 44,909 negative test results and 201 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 75 cases are considered resolved and no one has died as a result of the novel coronavirus, leaving 126 active cases in the province.

There is no one in hospital due to COVID-19.

The province's confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 70.

There are cases confirmed across the province, but most have been identified in the Central Zone, which contains the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The provincial government says cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system. On Sunday, the province noted the website would not be updated on that day due to technical difficulties.

RAPID TESTING

On Saturday, 540 tests were administered at a rapid-testing pop-up site in Dartmouth with one positive result. The individual was directed to self-isolate and has been referred for a standard test.

Despite seeing only one positive result during Saturday's rapid testing and lower new case numbers, Microbiology expert, Dr. Todd Hatchett, continues to urge caution.

"There is usually a two-week lag from a peak," says Hatchett, who was present at a rapid testing event at the Woodlawn Public Library in Dartmouth on Sunday. "We are not past that point where we can say those people who had contacts cannot spread those infections."

Hatchett says a lot of the success in fighting COVID-19 is happening on the front lines of community-based rapid testing sites.

At rapid testing sites, volunteers ask individuals a series of questions, including questions about the COVID-19 status of their close contacts and family. After being questioned, individuals take a rapid test.

"I think it's wonderful that they put this together," says resident Ruby Blois. "It's a lot of amazing volunteers. I'll give them full marks for a great effort."

Rapid testing site volunteer Patrick LeClair – who has no medical science background – signed up to help as a form of community service. He notes training for volunteers is thorough.

"Every time I come in, they run us through the training," says LeClair. "This is a great opportunity to be a part of this; this is a great opportunity and a historic moment here in Nova Scotia and across the world."

Dr. Lisa Barrett says the sites are staffed and managed by doctors and trained medical professionals; however, to be successful, they rely on volunteers.

"We asked for volunteers from the community, and we have got them, overwhelmingly," says Barrett.

Volunteer duties include asking screening questions, processing results, and administering the actual COVID-19 test.

"A week ago, if you told me I would be swabbing people for COVID-19, I would not have believed that," says LeClair. "It's great to be here to help people through the process."

Barrett notes volunteers range from younger people to older people from diverse career backgrounds – all appreciated for their efforts.

"People learn very quickly, and they are good at it," says Barrett. "There is no one who has trained to be a swabber or tester who has actually not performed really, really well."

Meanwhile, rapid testing sites are planned at various locations throughout the HRM in the coming weeks, as well as select parts of Nova Scotia outside of the city.

COVID ALERT APP

Canada’s COVID-19 Alert app is available in Nova Scotia.

The app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play, notifies users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

LIST OF SYMPTOMS

Anyone who experiences a fever or new or worsening cough, or two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms, is encouraged to take an online test or call 811 to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose/nasal congestion

SELF-ISOLATION AND MANDATORY MASKS

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.

Anyone who travels to Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic region for non-essential reasons is required to self-isolate for 14 days and must fill out a self-declaration form before coming to the province. Travellers must self-isolate alone, away from others. If they cannot self-isolate alone, their entire household must also self-isolate for 14 days.

Residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are not required to self-isolate when travelling to Nova Scotia, but they must be prepared to provide proof of their place of residency at provincial borders.

Visitors from outside the Atlantic region who have already self-isolated in another Atlantic province for 14 days may travel to Nova Scotia without having to self-isolate again.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia.

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2020-11-29 22:26:00Z
52781205123140

N.S. reports 11 new COVID-19 cases; active cases rise to 126 - CTV News Atlantic

HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia reported 11 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to 126.

Ten of the cases are in the Central Zone, one case is in the Western Zone.

With new COVID-19 restrictions having come into effect on Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says it’s crucial that residents make a collective effort.

“By following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus,” said McNeil in a press release on Sunday. “And wherever you live in the province, we all have a role to play, by limiting non-essential travel and following all the protocols – limit social contacts, practise social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands. This is how we will flatten the curve.”

“No matter where you live in Nova Scotia, it is important to follow all public health measures,” said Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang. “While the majority of the cases are in the Central Zone, COVID-19 can easily find its way into other parts of the province. We must all remain vigilant and continue working to limit spread within, and beyond, Halifax.”

NEW SCHOOL-BASED CASE

On Sunday evening, the province noted an additional case was identified. The case is connected to the Northeast Kings Education Centre in Canning, N.S., located in the Western Zone.

Northeast Kings Education Centre has been closed since its first case of COVID-19 was announced on Tuesday. The province says a public health investigation in the coming days will determine whether the latest case was a close contact of the first confirmed case. The province notes that given the school has been closed, the new case is not believed to have been in school while infectious.

To allow for completion of contact tracing and testing, and out of an abundance of caution, Northeast Kings Education Centre will remain closed for the week and students will be supported while they learn at home.

As with any positive COVID-19 case, public health will be in touch with any close contacts of the case and advise them on next steps. Everyone who is a close contact will be notified, tested and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

CASE BREAKDOWN

On Saturday, Nova Scotia Health Authority’s labs completed 2,254 Nova Scotia tests.

Since October 1, Nova Scotia has had 44,909 negative test results and 201 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of those cases, 75 cases are considered resolved and no one has died as a result of the novel coronavirus, leaving 126 active cases in the province.

There is no one in hospital due to COVID-19.

The province's confirmed cases range in age from under 10 to over 70.

There are cases confirmed across the province, but most have been identified in the Central Zone, which contains the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The provincial government says cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama, the province’s electronic information system. On Sunday, the province noted the website would not be updated on that day due to technical difficulties.

RAPID TESTING

On Saturday, 540 tests were administered at a rapid-testing pop-up site in Dartmouth with one positive result. The individual was directed to self-isolate and has been referred for a standard test.

COVID ALERT APP

Canada’s COVID-19 Alert app is available in Nova Scotia.

The app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play, notifies users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

LIST OF SYMPTOMS

Anyone who experiences a fever or new or worsening cough, or two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms, is encouraged to take an online test or call 811 to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose/nasal congestion

SELF-ISOLATION AND MANDATORY MASKS

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.

Anyone who travels to Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic region for non-essential reasons is required to self-isolate for 14 days and must fill out a self-declaration form before coming to the province. Travellers must self-isolate alone, away from others. If they cannot self-isolate alone, their entire household must also self-isolate for 14 days.

Residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are not required to self-isolate when travelling to Nova Scotia, but they must be prepared to provide proof of their place of residency at provincial borders.

Visitors from outside the Atlantic region who have already self-isolated in another Atlantic province for 14 days may travel to Nova Scotia without having to self-isolate again.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia.

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2020-11-29 22:16:00Z
52781205123140

Nova Scotia reports 10 new COVID-19 cases, all in central zone - CBC.ca

There are 10 new cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to 125.

A press release stated that nine of the new cases were in the central health zone and one in the western zone. But a later release stated all the cases were in the central zone.

Nova Scotia labs completed 2,254 tests Saturday.

An additional 540 tests were administered at a rapid-testing site in Dartmouth. There was one positive case detected and that person was ordered to self-isolate and referred to take a standard test.

No one is in hospital in Nova Scotia related to the virus.

The province's case data website has not been updated since Nov. 26. A news release said it is due to a technical problem.

The province announced five new exposure sites Saturday, including businesses in Sydney and Truro.

A full list of exposures in the province can be found here.

Premier Stephen McNeil urged people in the Halifax area to follow the latest guidelines.

"By following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus," he said in a news release. 

New restrictions in effect

New restrictions came into effect Thursday in most of the Halifax Regional Municipality and parts of Hants County.

The restrictions include stopping dine-in service at bars and restaurants and closing gyms, libraries, museums and casinos for at least the next two weeks. Masks are also mandatory in common areas of multi-unit dwellings like apartments and condos.

A list of what's open and closed in the Halifax region can be found here.

Across the province, visitations to long-term care facilities are no longer allowed unless the person is a volunteer or designated caregiver.

All other Atlantic provinces, most recently New Brunswick, have brought back mandatory 14-day self-isolation for travellers. But as of Thursday evening, Nova Scotia's policy on regional travel remained unchanged.

COVID cases in the Atlantic provinces

The latest numbers from the Atlantic provinces are:

Symptoms

Anyone with one of the following symptoms should visit the COVID-19 self-assessment website or call 811:

  • Fever.
  • Cough or worsening of a previous cough.

Anyone with two or more of the following symptoms is also asked to visit the website or call 811:

  • Sore throat.
  • Headache.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Runny nose.

MORE TOP STORIES

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2020-11-29 19:18:00Z
52781205123140

Nova Scotia reports 10 new COVID-19 cases, all in central zone - CBC.ca

There are 10 new cases of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, bringing the total number of active cases in the province to 125.

A press release stated that nine of the new cases were in the central health zone and one in the western zone. But a later release stated all the cases were in the central zone.

Nova Scotia labs completed 2,254 tests Saturday.

An additional 540 tests were administered at a rapid-testing site in Dartmouth. There was one positive case detected and that person was ordered to self-isolate and referred to take a standard test.

No one is in hospital in Nova Scotia related to the virus.

The province's case data website has not been updated since Nov. 26. A news release said it is due to a technical problem.

The province announced five new exposure sites Saturday, including businesses in Sydney and Truro.

A full list of exposures in the province can be found here.

Premier Stephen McNeil urged people in the Halifax area to follow the latest guidelines.

"By following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus," he said in a news release. 

New restrictions in effect

New restrictions came into effect Thursday in most of the Halifax Regional Municipality and parts of Hants County.

The restrictions include stopping dine-in service at bars and restaurants and closing gyms, libraries, museums and casinos for at least the next two weeks. Masks are also mandatory in common areas of multi-unit dwellings like apartments and condos.

A list of what's open and closed in the Halifax region can be found here.

Across the province, visitations to long-term care facilities are no longer allowed unless the person is a volunteer or designated caregiver.

All other Atlantic provinces, most recently New Brunswick, have brought back mandatory 14-day self-isolation for travellers. But as of Thursday evening, Nova Scotia's policy on regional travel remained unchanged.

COVID cases in the Atlantic provinces

The latest numbers from the Atlantic provinces are:

Symptoms

Anyone with one of the following symptoms should visit the COVID-19 self-assessment website or call 811:

  • Fever.
  • Cough or worsening of a previous cough.

Anyone with two or more of the following symptoms is also asked to visit the website or call 811:

  • Sore throat.
  • Headache.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Runny nose.

MORE TOP STORIES

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2020-11-29 19:13:00Z
52781205123140

Nova Scotia reports 10 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday - HalifaxToday.ca

NEWS RELEASE
COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS
*************************
As of today, Nov. 29, Nova Scotia has 125 active cases of COVID-19. Ten new cases are being reported today.

Nine cases are in Central Zone and one is in Western Zone.

"By following the new restrictions in the greater Halifax area, we are working together to contain the spread of the virus," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "And wherever you live in the province, we all have a role to play, by limiting non-essential travel and following all the protocols -- limit social contacts, practise social distancing, wear a mask and wash your hands. This is how we will flatten the curve."

Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 2,254 Nova Scotia tests on Nov. 28.

There were 540 tests administered at the rapid-testing pop-up site in Dartmouth yesterday and one positive result. The individual was directed to self-isolate and has been referred for a standard test.

Since Oct. 1, Nova Scotia has had 44,909 negative test results, 200 positive COVID-19 cases and no deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 70. Seventy-five cases are now resolved. Cumulative cases may change as data is updated in Panorama.

"No matter where you live in Nova Scotia, it is important to follow all public health measures," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. "While the majority of the cases are in the Central Zone, COVID-19 can easily find its way into other parts of the province. We must all remain vigilant and continue working to limit spread within, and beyond, Halifax."

Visit https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ to do a self-assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had or you are currently experiencing:
-- fever (i.e. chills/sweats) or cough (new or worsening)

Or:
Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
-- sore throat
-- runny nose/ nasal congestion
-- headache
-- shortness of breath

Call 811 if you cannot access the online self-assessment or wish to speak with a nurse about your symptoms.

When a new case of COVID-19 is confirmed, public health works to identify and test people who may have come in close contact with that person. Those individuals who have been confirmed are being directed to self-isolate at home, away from the public, for 14 days.

Anyone who has travelled outside of Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days. As always, any Nova Scotian who develops symptoms of acute respiratory illness should limit their contact with others until they feel better.

It remains important for Nova Scotians to strictly adhere to the public health order and directives - practise good hand washing and other hygiene steps, maintain a physical distance when and where required. Wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory in most indoor public places.

Rules concerning interprovincial travel within Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have changed. The premiers of all four Atlantic provinces are cautioning against non-essential travel into neighbouring provinces. Currently, all non-essential travel into Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador requires a 14-day self-isolation. All public health directives of each province must be followed. Under Nova Scotia's Health Protection Act order, visitors from outside Atlantic Canada must self-isolate for 14 days unless they completed their self-isolation in another Atlantic province.

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus. Due to technical difficulties, the website will not be updated today.

Businesses and other organizations can find information to help them safely reopen at https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia.

Quick Facts:

  • a state of emergency was declared under the Emergency Management Act on March 22 and extended to Dec. 13
  • online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is available for Nova Scotians getting a test at all primary assessment centres or at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax
  • ongoing voluntary testing has been introduced to monitor, reduce and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care. Volunteers, designated caregivers and employees who provide direct care to residents will be tested every two weeks. The ongoing testing will start at three long-term care locations: Northwood, Ocean View and St. Vincent's and will expand to six more facilities over the next two weeks

Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: https://canada.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)

The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)

For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)

For more information about COVID-19 testing and online booking, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/

The COVID-19 self-assessment is at https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMid2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmhhbGlmYXh0b2RheS5jYS9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jb3ZpZC0xOS1sb2NhbC1uZXdzL25vdmEtc2NvdGlhLXJlcG9ydHMtMTAtbmV3LWNhc2VzLW9mLWNvdmlkLTE5LXN1bmRheS0zMTM3MTUz0gF7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaGFsaWZheHRvZGF5LmNhL2FtcC9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jb3ZpZC0xOS1sb2NhbC1uZXdzL25vdmEtc2NvdGlhLXJlcG9ydHMtMTAtbmV3LWNhc2VzLW9mLWNvdmlkLTE5LXN1bmRheS0zMTM3MTUz?oc=5

2020-11-29 17:24:00Z
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