Schools in British Columbia will soon get rapid antigen tests as a way to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 among staff, including teachers and administrators. The Education Ministry says 200,000 test kits are being shipped to elementary and high schools in an effort to keep them open.
"If you get a 'bail money' scam call, don't share your personal information and don't be afraid to say no. Hang up and call your local police," said Cst. Kelly McIntyre of the North Vancouver RCMP. "If you find yourself in the middle of the 'bail money' scam - you have given out your address and someone is on their way to your home - call 911."
While nearly three-quarters of kids in the Atlantic province have had their first shot, Health Canada says the national average is less than half — a shortfall that in-school vaccination programs could help address, says pediatric infectious disease physician Karina Top.
A Florida man has been charged with human smuggling after the bodies of four people, including a baby and a teen, were found in Manitoba near the United States border. The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota said Steve Shand, 47, appeared in court earlier Thursday.
The B.C. government says in a news release that beginning Feb. 1, evacuees receiving Emergency Support Services since the Nov. 15 storms will be offered the expanded help through the Canadian Red Cross.
There are 34,835 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 265,765 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 891 COVID-positive individuals are in hospital and 119 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.
