Here are today’s COVID-19 news updates:
New Public Health Orders: As of November 13, new orders are in effect for religious gatherings in Manitoba’s Southern Health region. Click here for details.
Vaccination update: A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all adults with a minimum of six months after their last dose, with limited exceptions. More information is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibility-criteria.html#third. Eligibility for first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to include anyone born on or before Dec. 31, 2009.
Updates to Personal Care Home visitation rules: Effective today, Monday, Nov. 15, all designated family caregivers will be required to provide proof of full vaccination upon each entry to their loved one’s PCH. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated will be able to visit as a general visitor, by appointment, and in a visitation shelter or other designated location. Families are advised to be in contact with PCH operators directly with any questions related to scheduling of appointments.
COVID-19 Pill: As the drugmakers race for an antiviral, the U.K. government has already authorized the use of Merck’s drug molnupiravir, considered the first pill to successfully treat COVID-19. Health Canada says it’s still reviewing data on an antiviral COVID-19 drug, and continues to receive data “as new information becomes available”. It offered no timeline for completion of the review process, but says that Merck has been supplying data on a rolling basis since August, when the product was still undergoing clinical trials.
Children & COVID-19: Canadians under the age of 12 now account for the highest number of new COVID-19 infections according to PHAC. Those under 12 currently represent over 20 per cent of daily cases, despite only representing 12 per cent of the country’s population. Tam said this overrepresentation is “not unexpected,” though, given the “high level of vaccination in other age groups.”
Support for businesses – federal: The Government of Canada has proposed extended the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10% and to increase the subsidy rate to 50%. For details, click here.
