Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.
Top headlines:
- The thrill for those receiving a long-awaited, life-saving inoculation is clashing with the reality of Canada’s slow vaccine rollout
- Quebec has been carving an independent vaccination plan that stems from the province’s distinct public-health history and autonomous political culture
- The European Union is rebuffing British government calls to ship it AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines produced in a factory in the Netherlands
In the last 7 days, 23,765 cases were reported, up 7 per cent from the previous 7 days. There were 209 deaths announced, down 5 per cent over the same period. At least 2,035 people are being treated in hospitals and 873,595 others are considered recovered.
About 81 per cent of the 4,773,170 doses of vaccine distributed to provinces have been administered. Canada’s inoculation rate is 36th among 84 countries with a population of one million or more people.
Sources: Canada data is compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data is from Johns Hopkins University.
Coronavirus explainers: Coronavirus in maps and charts • Tracking vaccine doses • Lockdown rules and reopening • Vaccine distribution plan • Four vaccines approved in Canada • Essential resources
Photo of the day
An activist wears a face shield as she participates in the DC Rally for Collective Safety, held by OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates in McPherson Square in Washington today. Activists took part in the rally in response to the Atlanta spa shootings that left eight people dead, including six Asian women, and the rising number of attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.Alex Wong/Getty Images
Coronavirus in Canada
- Early on in the vaccination campaign, Quebec initially made two decisions some considered risky – delaying second doses and giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to older people. The machinery behind those decisions dates back decades.
- Ontario is opening up vaccine appointments to adults 75 and over starting Monday. Meanwhile, the province reported 1,791 new COVID-19 cases today.
Canada’s slow procurement of vaccines means normal life won’t return to most of the country this spring. And for those who have already been vaccinated, there are not many reasons to celebrate.
- “It’s good to get the vaccine, but it’s not going to change everyone’s life right away. … I can’t take my mask off right now,” said 37-year-old kinesiologist Daniel Smikle after getting his first shot near Toronto.
- Researchers say there are also scientific reasons for feeling letdown after getting a vaccine.
Canada-U.S. border: With the closing of the border last year, a move that initially barred all but essential workers from crossing, the Peace Arch Park in Surrey, B.C., has become a lifeline for couples in cross-border relationships.
The Arts: An effective and equitable basic income guarantee program for Canada’s artists will be essential as Canada looks to rebuild, argue leaders of Canada’s largest municipal arts councils.
Over 80: The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has resulted in a drop in the number of infections in people over 80, Canada’s top doctor said.
Coronavirus around the world
- A U.S. Democratic Senator said the fatal shooting of six Asian women in Atlanta-area spas “looks racially motivated,” in response to the FBI’s initial assessment.
- The leading opposition candidate in the Republic of Congo’s presidential election has been flown to France after suffering COVID-19 complications.
- Pakistan’s Prime Minister has tested positive for the coronavirus two days after he received his first vaccine dose.
- Protesters in Germany clashed with police over coronavirus measures.
Globe opinion
- Marcus Gee: Real estate is just a commodity like anything else, subject to the same peaks and valleys in price that come to them all. What goes up must eventually come down.
- Tenille Bonoguore: In a pandemic, the truly kind thing to do is to be clear, decisive and willing to make people unhappy so that the vulnerable are safe. Australia is trying that, but Canada didn’t have the stomach to.
- The Editorial Board: Ottawa taxes capital gains on investments such as stocks and real estate – but it steadfastly refuses to touch gains on principal residences. Canada’s wild housing market is making a case for taxing capital gains on the sale of principal residences.
- Alexandra Rendely, Anjali Bhayana and Seema Marwaha: Rehabilitation is essential for helping COVID patients who are no longer infectious return to their old self. Yet, many Canadians labelled as “recovered” are not currently receiving adequate rehabilitation.
- Eric Reguly: Britain is making the European Union both envious and angry as the EU’s own vaccination program turns into an international embarrassment.
More reporting
- Overnight camps across Canada still don’t know if they will be allowed to operate this summer
- One Toronto doctor is quietly helping 110 schools through the pandemic while spearheading an innovative testing program for thousands of students
- The struggles of women during the COVID-19 pandemic can be summed up as “chutes and ladders”
- Bonnie and Lynn Henry collaborated on more than a book through the pandemic
- How can one overcome a fear of needles to get a COVID-19 vaccination?
- A positive COVID-19 test bounced VCU from NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament
Information centre
- How well do vaccines work? Here’s what you need to know.
- Rob Carrick’s 10-point checklist of things you should have done by now to protect or improve your money situation. Tips for minimizing damage to your credit score; how to manage retirement anxiety during difficult times; and things to think about if you’re considering home delivery.
- Here are the expectations for self-isolation; tips for managing anxiety and protecting your mental health; and what to do if you think you have the virus. Wash your hands. How to break a bad habit (like touching your face). Is flying safe?
- The best foods to eat to maintain an immune system-friendly diet; and how to keep a healthy diet while working from home; four eating tips when working from home; and five mistakes that might cause you to gain unwanted weight. Here are the essentials to stock up on and how to shop safely for groceries; the best pantry staples and how to stop stress-eating.
- Find answers to your coronavirus and employment questions.
Sources: Canada data are compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins University and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data are from Johns Hopkins.
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