Canada considers urging fourth vaccine as numbers of infection grow

   Canada column for Sunday, April 3/22

    THE CANADIAN REPORT

   By Jim Fox

    An increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, combined with public health indicators, is pushing Canada to recommend second vaccine booster shots.

   The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is to release guidance on more doses of the vaccine in the next week.

     Many health practitioners are calling this the sixth wave that is causing growing concerns about hospital capacity and staff burn out, said Anna Maddison of Health Canada.

  NACI earlier recommended that people who are “moderately to severely compromise” receive a fourth dose of the vaccine six months after getting their third one.

   The number of cases of infection has been growing since most provinces dropped mask- wearing rules and eased restrictions on public events.

   Colin Furness, a University of Toronto epidemiologist, said it has been a bad idea to say “everyone take off your mask and we’ll have a hospital bed when you need it.”

   Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province isn’t considering bringing back any COVID-19 measures despite rising infections and hospitalizations.

   That’s because there is a highly vaccinated population with increased hospital capacity and access to antiviral medications, she said.

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    New vaccine testing requirements are now in effect for fully vaccinated travelers.

   The Canadian government has eased testing requirements for international travel as demand surges after two years of the pandemic.

   Gone are the pre-entry testing requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians to enter Canada by air, land or water but some rules remain.

   Travelers must still show proof of vaccination and still have to use the ArriveCAN ap prior to returning including those taking a cruise or flying within 72 hours before boarding.

   There are no changes to rules for those partially vaccinated or unvaccinated to provide a positive molecular or negative rapid antigen test.

   For those cruising, an antigen test is required to board a ship no more than one day before departure but isn’t required to leave the ship.

   The government cautions that the virus can spread easily between people in close quarters, such as on cause ships, and infections are still “very high even for those who are fully vaccinated.” Government details at: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid

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   News in brief:

   A $5-billion investment will create a large-scale electric vehicle battery plant in Windsor, Ontario, across from Detroit. Automaker Stellantis and South Korean battery-maker LG Energy Solution will build the plant to make the “cars of the future from start to finish.” It will be the largest investment in Canadian automotive manufacturing history, said Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. The plant will employ about 2,500 people along with work at auto parts-makers for a total impact of about 10,000 jobs. Construction is to start this year with a goal of being operational by 2025.

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    Facts and figures:

   Canada’s dollar is steady at 80 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.25 in Canadian funds, before exchange fees.

   The Bank of Canada’s key interest rate is steady at 0.5 percent while the prime lending rate is 2.7 percent.

   Canadian stock markets are mixed, with the Toronto index down at 21,890 while the TSX Venture index is up at 892 points.

   The average price for gas in Canada is lower at $1.74 a liter or $6.61 for a U.S. gallon in Canadian funds.

   Lotto Max: (March 29) 7, 17, 32, 34, 39, 45 and 47; bonus 42. (March 25) 3, 7, 16, 18, 27,32, and 37; bonus 17.

   Lotto 6/49 :(March 30) 3, 7,15, 21, 35 and 40; bonus 37. (March 26) 5, 11, 21, 22, 38 and 45; bonus 44.

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    Regional briefs:

   - Live Nation is planning to open a new concert hall in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood to host about 150 events annually. Called 713 Music Hall on Queen street, representing the area’s phone code, the opening performance will be Willie Nelson & Family on Nov. 17.

   - The Rolling Stones’ Live at El Mocambo nightclub recordings in Toronto has been released after 45 years. Over the years, the Stones have played at the club and others in Toronto to prepare for their upcoming concerts. The 23 songs from the two secret 1977 shows had the band billed as the Cockroaches to keep crowds away.

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