National

Staff at B.C. schools to get rapid tests

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Jan, 2022 06:26 PM

VICTORIA - 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.

It says the number of teaching and non-teaching staff will determine how many kits go to each school district as well as independent and First Nation schools.

The ministry says it's working with experts and school districts to improve ventilation systems and additional funding for improvements will soon be made available.

The Health Ministry says 2,150 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in B.C., and 15 more people have died, for a total of 2,520 deaths.

It says 58 facilities, mostly long-term care homes, are experiencing outbreaks, along with at least seven hospitals around the province.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

LeBlanc seeks to reassure on vaccine mix-and-match

While Canadian health authorities say recipients of a Moderna dose should not hesitate to have Pfizer-BioNTech as their second jab — or vice versa — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has so far been reluctant to sanction the practice, saying it should only be done in "exceptional situations."

LeBlanc seeks to reassure on vaccine mix-and-match

B.C. region calls for more wildfire resources

A regional politician in British Columbia's Interior is calling for more support amid a "dire" wildfire situation that he said has filled every available hotel with fleeing evacuees and stretched local security resources beyond their capacity.

B.C. region calls for more wildfire resources

Vancouver Police arrest suspect after security guard stabbed

VPD responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls just before 10 a.m. Monday after a security guard at a drug store near Thurlow and Davie Street was stabbed multiple times while trying to detain a shoplifter. VPD officers performed first aid until paramedics arrived and transported the victim to hospital.

Vancouver Police arrest suspect after security guard stabbed

156 COVID19 cases over 3 days

79.9% (3,701,843) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 53.2% (2,464,201) have received their second dose.

156 COVID19 cases over 3 days

Canada is extending its ban on direct flights to India until at least August 21

Canada has extended the ban on incoming passenger flights from India for another month til August 21, 2021. The federal government is not renewing the travel ban for Pakistan.

Canada is extending its ban on direct flights to India until at least August 21

Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens can enter Canada Aug. 9, rest of world Sept. 7

Officials say the 14-day quarantine requirement will be waived beginning the second week of August for eligible travellers who are currently residing in the United States and have received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada.