Coronavirus Update: Delta variant driving new waves of COVID-19 in Africa and Asia

Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.

Top headlines:

1. New waves of COVID-19 driven by the Delta variant are sweeping across Africa and Asia
2. Ontario announced youth aged 12-17 will be able to book their second-dose appointment as of next week
3. The federal government is proposing new rules that would strengthen passengers’ right to flight refunds

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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

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Coronavirus in Canada

• Ontario announced that all youth aged 12 to 17 can move up their second COVID-19 vaccine appointments – initially booked for four-month intervals – starting next week.
• In Alberta, Health Minister Tyler Shandro and his family were surrounded by protestors who screamed profanities and insults after a parade marking the end of COVID-19 restrictions. Shandro said the incident was an “unfortunate way for people to be expressing their opinions.”

In some parts of Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, mask rules are being relaxed. Is it too soon?

• Some infectious-disease experts say relaxing mask rules is happening too soon because the highly contagious Delta variant is spreading across the country before many have received their second vaccine.
• “In my ideal world, we would have continued to have a mask mandate for indoor spaces at least for the foreseeable future until we see the vast majority of people are fully vaccinated,” says infectious-disease physician Stephanie Smith.

COVID-19 travel: The federal government proposing new rules for refunds for flights, after most airlines held back on reimbursements for trips cancelled over COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Canada Border Services Agency is warning travellers not to try crossing the border on Monday.

Coronavirus around the world

• The Delta variant – now present in about 100 countries – is surging in Asia, with spikes in South Korea and Japan, along with record increases in Australia. The spike is prompting health authorities to increase restrictions and others to hasten their inoculation campaigns.
• The variant is also behind a new wave of COVID-19 sweeping across Africa. “The speed and scale of Africa’s third wave is like nothing we’ve seen before,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa.

Coronavirus and business

Starting late July 5, fully vaccinated Canadians with negative COVID-19 test results and symptoms will be able to enter the country without quarantine, opening the door to the return of business travel. But for some, it’s no longer necessary.

• In 2020, business travel in Canada dropped by 51 per cent, the Global Business Travel Association said. The pandemic prompted many in corporate Canada to reconsider business travel, with some opting for a hybrid approach.
• Some businesses expect travel budgets to return to pre-pandemic levels, but with a new focus – such as bringing workers from around the country and abroad together for in-person projects, for speaking engagements, or when it benefits clients.

Globe opinion

• Doug Saunders: Canada’s pandemic plan ought to make the next pandemic non-existent
• Vincent Lam: I saw hope at the Scotiabank Arena’s record-smashing vaccination drive
• Amy Rosen: Did the COVID-19 pandemic kill the celebrity chef?
• Vivek Goel: Universities have a once-in-a-century chance to reset. What should they look like post-COVID?

More reporting

• In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received his second dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Friday.
• Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot COVID-19 vaccine shows promise against the Delta variant
• ‘We’re super excited to get out and about’: Canadians embrace return to activities as COVID-19 restrictions ease

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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