Good evening. We’re updating the coronavirus newsletter to better reflect the pandemic as it changes. What would you like to see included? Send your thoughts to audience@globeandmail.com.
Top headlines:
- Vaccinated Americans should wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the Delta variant is fuelling infection surges, the CDC recommends
- Canada now has enough doses to fully inoculate everyone eligible in the country, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says
- Ontario will soon be reporting the number of COVID-19 cases in the unvaccinated population
In the past seven days, 3,587 cases were reported, up 24 per cent from the previous seven days. There were 52 deaths announced, down 15 per cent over the same period. At least 405 people are being treated in hospitals and 1,396,235 others are considered recovered.
Canada’s inoculation rate is 7th among 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
Photo of the day
A man prays during a funeral of his relative who died of COVID-19 as Indonesia reports a record daily number of COVID-19 deaths, in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta on July 27, 2021.WILLY KURNIAWAN/Reuters
Coronavirus in Canada
- In British Columbia, COVID-19 infections have more than doubled since the province relaxed most of its health measures – a spike driven by unvaccinated people in the Interior.
- Ontario will soon report the number of COVID-19 cases in unvaccinated people, as the province’s top doctor said Tuesday the risk of getting the disease is 6.4 times higher for those who haven’t gotten the shot. And, health units are using prizes and social media as part of a push to see more youth fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of the school year. The province is reporting 129 new cases and five COVID-19 deaths today.
- Quebec is reporting 73 new cases today and no deaths linked to COVID-19.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada has enough supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the country for everyone eligible – more than two months ahead of schedule.
- The country’s vaccine focus is now ensuring there is enough vaccination coverage to help avoid a fourth wave of COVID-19.
- Canada leads the world’s major economies in vaccination, ahead of countries such as the United States and United Kingdom, who had earlier inoculation campaign starts.
COVID-19 vaccines: Toronto’s Pearson airport discontinued the practice of splitting arriving international passengers based on vaccination status as of Monday.
Masking: Citing new information about the Delta variant’s ability to spread among vaccinated people, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mask-wearing indoors for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status.
Coronavirus around the world
- Tokyo reported 2,848 COVID-19 infections on Tuesday – spelling trouble for the Olympics.
- After lifting all coronavirus restrictions last week, Britain is reporting the number of new cases has fallen for six consecutive days, and the daily tally is down 37 per cent.
- Australia’s second-most populous city, Melbourne, ended its fifth lockdown on Tuesday.
- Flooding in Myanmar is adding to the misery of a nation struggling against a fast-spreading coronavirus, and in some areas it has forced health care workers to move COVID-19 patients through flooded streets.
Global COVID-19 inequity: 🔊 Geoffrey York joins The Decibel to talk about vaccine hoarding and what the international community could do to help speed up the vaccine efforts in Africa.
Coronavirus and business
As COVID-19 vaccination counts rise and companies consider the return to the office, many are experimenting with novel ways of building a hybrid work style. Toronto-based tech startup Lazer Technologies is creating a travelling office, which will move its physical office to a different destination for one month every quarter.
- Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is the first destination for the enterprising company, and then after a pause back in Toronto, the company is off to Uruguay.
Also today: Cash prices for lumber have fallen 70 per cent from record highs in May as the home-reno craze fizzles.
And: Opening during the pandemic hasn’t stopped Wander, a 10-cabin waterfront resort in Ontario’s Prince Edward County, from being crowned best new hotel in Canada and one of the best new hotels in the world.
Globe opinion
- Iain Reeve and Lisa Lalande: Despite the struggles of the pandemic, Canada wisely remains committed to growing immigration levels
More reporting
- After more than a year of remote work, many practices established during the COVID-19 pandemic are here to stay
- Secondary real estate markets are seeing an influx of home buyers as people want more space and the pandemic changes the need for a commute
Information centre
- Everything you need to know about Canada’s travel restrictions for vaccinated and unvaccinated people
- Waiting for a second dose? We answer your COVID-19 vaccine questions
- What is and isn’t ‘paid sick leave’ in Canada? A short primer
- Got a vaccine ‘hangover’? Here’s why
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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Jessie Willms