Omicron 'increasing the likelihood' most Ottawans will be exposed to COVID, top doctor says
CTV
Medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches calls the Omicron variant a "game changer" due to its high transmissibility.
And with students and teachers set to return to class on Monday for the first time after the holiday break, medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches is urging people to get vaccinated and stay home when they're sick to protect the population and hospital capacity.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Etches called the Omicron variant a "game changer" due to its high transmissibility, and it's important for all residents to help "blunt the curve."
"The vast majority will be able to weather the virus at home and people can prepare for this by making sure they have basic supplies on hand and pain relief medication at home," said Etches during a media conference on Wednesday.
"Do seek health care assessment for severe symptoms, for chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Many who are unvaccinated and contract COVID-19, and even some vaccinated individuals, will need hospital care to address the impacts of the related illness.
Epcor says a chlorinelike smell or taste to Edmonton’s water is the natural result of treating spring runoff and that the water is still safe to drink.
Almost 13 years after the City of Calgary suffered its historic flood, six properties along the city’s Elbow River are now being sold.
Police in Surrey, B.C., are investigating an overnight shooting at a business in the city’s Cloverdale area.
Nearly 15,000 full-time equivalent positions will be cut in federal departments over the next three years, as part of the federal government’s plan to find $60 billion in savings by 2029.
Police in Timmins have released photos of an 18-year-old suspect wanted for shooting a man to death last November.
A crossing guard is being treated for serious injuries after he was struck by a vehicle during the morning commute in Barrhaven.
British Columbia’s river forecaster has rescinded the high streamflow advisories that covered southern parts of the province after heavy rains last week.
It’s an extra long March Break for some students in Nova Scotia following a spring snowfall.
Ontario to seize ownership of Toronto Island Airport lands and declare it is a special economic zone
Premier Doug Ford says the provincial government will be seizing ownership of city-owned lands at Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport and declaring it a special economic zone, invoking new powers that will allow it to override environmental and other regulations.
Saskatchewan’s highest court has dismissed an appeal in the case of a years-long land dispute between the Village of Buena Vista and local landowners.
A participant in the 18th Annual Montreal Lake Walleye Derby is alleged to have violated derby rules over the weekend.
Three byelections are being held on April 13 and the results could have an impact on both the makeup of Parliament and how long it lasts. Here’s a primer on how things could change.
A member of Manitoba’s government caucus and the first First Nations woman elected to the province’s legislature has died.