Canadian COVID-19 News

[davefromoregon]

Originally Posted by pdxsailordiver

Where did you get your test?

Thanks

I got it at the Bellingham airport. It was quite easy and from swab to results, it was 20 hours.

One of my crew members got his at OHSU. That was really fast. If you are still in Portland, that may be the better choice.

[davefromoregon]

Originally Posted by redhead

Thanks for the info. Obviously you could clear in Vancouver if they told you to. We are going to Pender Harbour and since so many of the smaller customs offices are closed, wondering if you had and info/plans if they told you to stop for an inspection. Normally we would state Montague as our harbour of choice, but they're closed. It's also possible that I'm making this more complicated than necessary, it wouldn't be the first time.

Really glad you posted this, our plan is to get tested Sunday, leave Monday.

Vancouver seemed to make sense for our itinerary. We’d have preferred Bedwell but it too was closed. We also had a nice dinner in Vancouver.

[davefromoregon]

Originally Posted by desodave

First announced entrant, relatively painless by the sound of it. Just in time for the first of the wildfire smoke reaching the coast. I'm in Desolation and it's hazy this morning, first day of smoke here. Hopefully bit of rain tomorrow with changing pressure gradient takes it away.

The ranger at Chatterbox told us we were the first American boat she had seen in two years.

It was really smoky. You guys must be getting hammered by the fires.

[Midnight Son]

Originally Posted by davefromoregon

The ranger at Chatterbox told us we were the first American boat she had seen in two years.

It was really smoky. You guys must be getting hammered by the fires.

Have a look for yourself.
https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/interactive-map
Best wishes

[Montanan]

Oh Deer!

Whitetail deer in 4 states have been exposed to the coronavirus, USDA study shows. What does that mean for humans?

https://www.yahoo.com/news/deer-4-st...012530339.html

The deer were studied in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service tested 481 deer between January 2020 and March 2021, and found 33% were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

The findings raise questions about whether deer are transmitting the virus among themselves and how their interactions with humans could affect spread.

"At the moment, there’s no immediate cause for concern but justification for precaution. Just as we socially distance from people who could be infected, we also have to think about socially distancing from some animals who could potentially be infected," "This definitely justifies continued surveillance, so we need to look at more deer populations in more places... how did the deer get infected, how much are they actually shedding virus and infecting other deer, and posing risk to humans?"

So left wondering if Santa and his reindeer's trip to homes on Christmas night might become a super spreader event.

[desodave]

Originally Posted by Montanan

Oh Deer!

Whitetail deer in 4 states have been exposed to the coronavirus, USDA study shows. What does that mean for humans?

https://www.yahoo.com/news/deer-4-st...012530339.html

The deer were studied in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service tested 481 deer between January 2020 and March 2021, and found 33% were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

The findings raise questions about whether deer are transmitting the virus among themselves and how their interactions with humans could affect spread.

"At the moment, there’s no immediate cause for concern but justification for precaution. Just as we socially distance from people who could be infected, we also have to think about socially distancing from some animals who could potentially be infected," "This definitely justifies continued surveillance, so we need to look at more deer populations in more places... how did the deer get infected, how much are they actually shedding virus and infecting other deer, and posing risk to humans?"

So left wondering if Santa and his reindeer's trip to homes on Christmas night might become a super spreader event.

There are enormous numbers of community deer around here, and elsewhere on the Island - I have a road sign by my house telling drivers to watch for them. Our community treats them like community pets and does our best to tolerate them. Oak Bay has had heated debate about them for years. People either love them, or perhaps not so much. Your view is often determined by how much of your garden they're consuming. Wouldn't want to inject potential covid transmission into that already heated debate !!

[Montanan]

Okay, so there is debate about the mRNA vaccines, well know there is a DNA vaccine for Covid-19.

India gives emergency approval for world's first COVID-19 DNA vaccine.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/india-giv...135614354.html

India's drug regulator has granted emergency use approval for Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine, the world's first DNA shot against the coronavirus, in adults and children aged 12 years and above. The approval gives a boost to India's vaccination programme, which aims to inoculate all eligible adults by December, and will provide the first shot for those under 18, as the country still struggles to contain the virus spread in some states.

The vaccine, ZyCoV-D, uses a section of genetic material from the virus that gives instructions as either DNA or RNA to make the specific protein that the immune system recognises and responds to.
Unlike most COVID-19 vaccines, which need two doses or even a single dose, ZyCoV-D is administered in three doses.
The generic drugmaker, listed as Cadila Healthcare Ltd, aims to make 100 million to 120 million doses of ZyCoV-D annually and has already begun stockpiling the vaccine.

[Mike OReilly]

G&M: B.C.’s full reopening in doubt as COVID-19 case counts continue to rise

But on Friday, Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry said she was extending tighter restrictions in all of the Interior Health Authority zone. The restrictions reimpose a mask mandate, reduce limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, and halt intensive indoor fitness classes. The requirements were originally imposed only in the Kelowna area in an effort to curb an explosion of cases in that region.

“It’s very likely that we won’t be seeing a move to any more loosening of restrictions in the near term,” she told reporters.

[Montanan]

The US Department of Homeland Security announced Friday that it's extending nonessential travel restrictions at its land borders with Canada and Mexico until at least September 21.

The US has been limiting non-essential travel along both borders since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and extending those restrictions on a monthly basis. The restrictions don't apply to cross-border trade, US citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as people traveling for medical purposes or to attend school, among others.

[sv_pelagia]

British Columbia announces new COVID-19 vaccine card that will be required for wide-range of public activities

Initially, as of Sept 13, eligible British Columbians will require proof of one dose of vaccine. By Oct. 24, two doses will be required. The cards will be required for a wide range of recreational and social activities, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining in restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, like conferences and weddings.


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...e-bc-1.6149947

The vaccination card does not apply to essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and retail stores, or to faith-based groups.

Children age 11 and under are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and will be allowed into indoor events.

[N Coast Murray]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

British Columbia announces new COVID-19 vaccine card that will be required for wide-range of public activities

Initially, as of Sept 13, eligible British Columbians will require proof of one dose of vaccine. By Oct. 24, two doses will be required. The cards will be required for a wide range of recreational and social activities, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining in restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, like conferences and weddings.


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/briti...e-bc-1.6149947

The vaccination card does not apply to essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and retail stores, or to faith-based groups.

Children age 11 and under are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and will be allowed into indoor events.

Perfect.

BC has one of the highest vaccination rates in Canada. Makes no sense to deny the majority from indoor social events just because a minority doesn't want to get vaccinated.

The B.C. Vaccine Card will be required for:
* indoor ticketed sporting events;
* indoor concerts;
* indoor theatre/dance/symphony events;
* restaurants (indoor and patio dining);
* night clubs;
* casinos;
* movie theatres;
* fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport);
* businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities;
* organized indoor events (eg. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops);
* discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities.

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-...mier-attending

[Halifax Sailor]

As I listen to re-opening plans, especially where I live in Canada, I am struck by the lack of understanding about math and Covid Delta. Children under 12 cannot at this point get a "jab". So a typical eementary school here will have about 400 students 12 years and younger. Same school will have about 40-50 staff. Our provincial stats show almost 75% uptake (very good numbers compared to many places around the world) on a second "jab" so I ran the numbers. This willl mean that small little population group will have a vac rate of about 7%, in school 5 days a week, 5 hours a day. The CDC, Cidrap and the WHO have all been talking about how Delta is more rampant amonug the younger population, they are more susceptable to effects and it seems more deadly. Mask wearing after Sept 15th becomes optional because of the 75% of population has reached 2 "jabs". So I am wondering why some goverments seem to think the safest place for kids is in school??

[NaClyDog]

Originally Posted by Halifax Sailor

As I listen to re-opening plans, especially where I live in Canada, I am struck by the lack of understanding about math and Covid Delta. Children under 12 cannot at this point get a "jab". So a typical eementary school here will have about 400 students 12 years and younger. Same school will have about 40-50 staff. Our provincial stats show almost 75% uptake (very good numbers compared to many places around the world) on a second "jab" so I ran the numbers. This willl mean that small little population group will have a vac rate of about 7%, in school 5 days a week, 5 hours a day. The CDC, Cidrap and the WHO have all been talking about how Delta is more rampant amonug the younger population, they are more susceptable to effects and it seems more deadly. Mask wearing after Sept 15th becomes optional because of the 75% of population has reached 2 "jabs". So I am wondering why some goverments seem to think the safest place for kids is in school??

I think at this point it's more about public perception and much less about science / math / epidemiology.


Politicians are squirrelly that way.

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by Halifax Sailor

As I listen to re-opening plans, especially where I live in Canada, I am struck by the lack of understanding about math and Covid Delta. Children under 12 cannot at this point get a "jab". So a typical eementary school here will have about 400 students 12 years and younger. Same school will have about 40-50 staff. Our provincial stats show almost 75% uptake (very good numbers compared to many places around the world) on a second "jab" so I ran the numbers. This willl mean that small little population group will have a vac rate of about 7%, in school 5 days a week, 5 hours a day. The CDC, Cidrap and the WHO have all been talking about how Delta is more rampant amonug the younger population, they are more susceptable to effects and it seems more deadly. Mask wearing after Sept 15th becomes optional because of the 75% of population has reached 2 "jabs". So I am wondering why some goverments seem to think the safest place for kids is in school??

Right now the "Delta" variant doesn't seem to be having the same impact on kids in Canada as in the U.S. Why is a good question, maybe it has to do with the general higher rate of vaccination among the public, maybe its the greater degree of isolation and reduced class sizes?

There are a lot of parents that want some return to in class learning as the last 2 years have been a write-off in terms of education for a lot. We've been lucky as both my kids are high school'ers and remote learning has been the best experience for them. They've never done better academically! In fact if their marks hold to what they've been doing for the last year, they'll likely both be eligible for FULL SCOLARSHIPS! Though they are definitely statistical anomalies!

[redhead]

Report of crossing the border Washington to BC and back and what we found:

After receiving our negative tests and filling out all the required details on ArriveCan.ca we decided to go by land because, well because of a lot of time constraints. Border crossing into Canada was easy but took a lot more time. I had taken screen shots of our negative tests and the border agent really appreciated that. The entry took about 10 minutes.

We always stop at a certain place in BC for coffee, put on our masks and went in. There wasn't a single person, even the employees, wearing a mask. We were conspicuous for wearing them. I don't know why.

With our Washington plates I thought we would get more looks, but we saw Montana, Michigan and Iowa plates on route 15. The lack of masks was astonishing - that's not a judgement, just an observation.

Four days on the Sunshine Coast and the crossing into the US was the same as northbound, without the covid questions. The US agent was surly - I guess so that we would know we were back home....

We will definitely take the boat the next time. I was under the (incorrect) assumption we weren't very welcome and knew we could camp away from civilization if necessary, but it just wasn't so. I was so happy to be back with friends and in the place I love.

A good trip.