Good evening, these are the top coronavirus headlines tonight:
Top headlines:
- WHO reports 90 per cent drop in global COVID-19 deaths since February
- As kids’ viruses, both COVID-19 and otherwise, surge this fall, some Ontario doctors are urging the return of mask mandates
- China’s continued zero-COVID policy is having effects on its economy, as Apple warns of delays for its iPhone 14 and factory gate prices dropped in the country in October for the first time since December 2020
COVID-19 updates from Canada and the world
- The Ontario Medical Association is urging the public to get vaccinated against influenza, keep up-to-date with COVID-19 shots and wear masks in crowded indoor places as a worsening respiratory illness season hits children – and the pediatric health system – particularly hard.
- The University of Waterloo in Ontario has announced the return of mask requirements for all indoor academic activities, including in lecture halls, labs and exams, for the remainder of the term amid the growing spread of COVID-19.
- Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore says the province is considering allowing pharmacists to prescribe the COVID-19 treatment drug Paxlovid in order to expand access.
- Quebec has dropped its five-day isolation requirement for those who test positive for COVID-19, but continue to urge people who are sick to stay home.
- The World Health Organization said the 90 per cent global drop in deaths from COVID-19 this month compared to February was “cause for optimism,” but pointed out “almost 10,000 deaths a week is 10,000 too many for a disease that can be prevented and treated.”
- Apple expects lower shipments of premium iPhone 14 models than previously anticipated following a significant production cut at a virus-blighted plant in China. Meanwhile, China’s factory gate prices for October dropped for the first time since December 2020 as strict COVID-19 curbs affect the economy.
Pandemic recovery
- Alberta’s Court of Appeal has upheld the requirement that eligible transplant recipients be vaccinated against COVID-19, saying the stipulation did not violate the charter rights of a woman who refused to get a dose.
- As health care professionals warn of a particularly difficult season for respiratory illnesses ahead, many employees – especially working parents – may find themselves trying to balance work and taking care of a sick child at home.
- AbCellera posted another strong quarter of its COVID-19 antibody sales, but the Vancouver-based company warned its antibody bebtelovimab is unlikely to work against the two latest variants, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1.
Globe opinion
André Picard: Kids are suffering from COVID in ways we never expected
More reading
- Toronto-based Thornhill Research Inc., which makes innovative portable intensive-care units complete with ventilators, was one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies during the pandemic. And while revenue is set to drop to below $10-million this year, compared to the almost $100-million they earned in 2020 and 2021 apiece, chief executive Lesley Gouldie isn’t bothered. Read more about how this company is taking their pandemic boon and making themselves sustainable for the long haul.
Information centre
- Everything you need to know about Canada’s travel rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated people
- When will COVID-19 be endemic? The four factors that will shape the virus’s future
- Wastewater is filling the COVID-19 data gap
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Rebecca Zamon
Samantha Edwards