A roundup of COVID-19 developments for Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

Chris Kitching:

Manitoba rejects mask mandate as viruses strain health system

The Manitoba government is resisting calls to reintroduce a mask mandate as a spike in respiratory viruses, especially among children, is expected to worsen and put further strain on the health system.

Carol Sanders:

Stefanson announces plan to add 2,000 health workers to alleviate staffing crisis

Doctors and nurses are urging the Progressive Conservative government to hurry up and implement its $200-million action plan announced Thursday to retain, train and recruit a mix of 2,000 health-care professionals.

Chris Kitching:

Staff struggling to cope with wall-to-wall patients in Children’s Hospital ER

An overflowing waiting room, kids coughing “everywhere” and tremendous staff is how Manitoba parents are describing the Children’s Hospital’s overrun emergency room, which is on pace for a record number of visits.

The Canadian Press:

Tam warns of flu upswing, new COVID-19 variants as viral triple threat continues

OTTAWA - Canada’s top doctor is warning of "increased growth" in new COVID-19 variants and an upswing in seasonal influenza cases, just as a surge of respiratory syncytial virus inundates hospitals.

The Canadian Press:

Panel looks at ways to detect COVID-19 at airports ahead of winter travel season

TORONTO - As the busy winter travel season approaches, researchers are looking to use artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies at Canada's airports to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Holly McKenzie-Sutter, The Canadian Press:

Ontario docs advise masks, vaccine catch-up ahead of anticipated tough viral season

TORONTO - Ontarians are being advised to keep up with vaccinations and wear masks indoors as doctors warn of a worsening respiratory illness season that's hitting children – and the pediatric health system – particularly hard.

The Canadian Press:

Ottawa kids’ hospital opens second intensive care unit as viral admissions surge

OTTAWA - An Ontario children's hospital has opened a second intensive care unit to treat what it says is an unprecedented number of critically ill babies and young children.

Andrea Lawlor, Associate Professor, Politics and International Relations, Western University; Miranda Goode, Associate Professor, Marketing, Western University; Philippe Wodnicki, PhD Student in Business Administration, Western University, and Tyler Girard, The Conversation:

Compassion has won out when it comes to Canadian support for COVID-19 financial aid

This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

Jamey Keaten, The Associated Press:

WHO reports 90% drop in world COVID-19 deaths since February

GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization chief on Wednesday said a nearly 90% drop in recent COVID-19 deaths globally compared to nine months ago provides “cause for optimism,” but still urged vigilance against the pandemic as variants continue to crop up.

Joe Mcdonald, The Associated Press:

China promises change but sticks to severe ‘zero COVID’ plan

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leaders promised Thursday to improve quarantine and other anti-virus policies after public frustration boiled over into protests but said they will stick to a severe “zero COVID” strategy that has confined millions of people to their homes and disrupted the economy.

The Associated Press:

Virus lockdowns hit China economic powerhouse Guangzhou

BEIJING (AP) — A surge in COVID-19 cases has spurred lockdowns in the southern Chinese manufacturing hub of Guangzhou, adding to financial pressure that has disrupted global supply chains and sharply slowed growth in the world’s second-largest economy.