Top Stories – Dec 22 – More Covid Restrictions

Saying that the majority of covid transmission is happening among younger people, the health ministry has ordered that all bars and nightclubs in the province close at midnight until January 18th. Also, restaurants, pubs and cafes can stay open, but are limited to 6 people per table and there is to be no mingling. For all seated events, capacity is now at 50%.  Dr. Bonnie Henry says hospitalizations have not significantly increased, but that could change. Among the new restrictions: gyms, fitness centres and dance studios are closed.

The province reported a record one-day total of 1,308 new covid cases yesterday with 138 in Interior Health. Eight have been the Omicron variant in I-H. There were 43 people in hospital in the region with 26 in intensive care… the same as the day before. There are 695 active cases.

The province is ramping up its booster shot program to combat growing Covid numbers, increasing capacity by 62 percent. That will allow everyone to get a third dose by the end of March, according to the projections. Invitations for the shots will continue to be sent out based on age and risk.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is reacting to new restrictions on the food service sector. It’s worried about the survival of businesses that are once again going to have to shut down or restrict their operations with little notice or adequate government supports. Over one-third are losing money every day they are open.

BC is already moving toward it, now Ottawa is jumping on the bandwagon. The federal government is working on the draft regulations that will ban the manufacture, import and sale of six single-use plastic items. Plastic stir sticks, cutlery, six-pack rings, bags and Styrofoam takeout containers will be eliminated entirely by the end of next year.

Two of Canada’s largest business groups are calling on provincial governments to provide financial support for restaurants, retailers and small businesses. In an open letter to premiers, Restaurants Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business note that many provinces have introduced a fresh round of restrictions on top of existing measures.

Lockdowns and supply disruptions at a Vancouver shipyard and a similar facility in Halifax are playing havoc with the completion and delivery of key projects. That includes several warships destined for the Canadian Forces. The navy needs the new ships because five vessels have been taken out of service over the last few years but none of the new ones are ready for deployment.

In a rare case of cross-party co-operation, the Liberals and Conservatives have reached a deal to change the law to extend bereavement leave for grieving parents. Calgary Tory M-P Tom Kmiec, whose baby girl died in 2018, has been trying to change the law to give parents who have a stillborn baby or lose a child, more time off work to grieve.

Sports

NHL players won’t be going to the Beijing Olympics amid COVID concerns that have seen an explosion of cases and more than 45 games postponed in a week. The league and NHLPA committed to going to China for the 2022 Games back in September, but that agreement with the IIHF allowed either party to withdraw if COVID conditions made participation impractical or unsafe.

The Seattle Seahawks lost their 9th game of the season last night in Los Angeles as the Rams won their 10th in a 20-10 game.

In Philadelphia last night it was a battle between two 6 & 7 teams and when it was over the Eagles were at 7 & 7 with a 27-17 win over Washington.

Chris Jones is the new general manager and head coach of the Edmonton Elks. It’s his second stint there after previously serving as head coach during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. He is a four-time Grey Cup champion, including winning with Edmonton in 2015.

The Toronto Raptors, who are 14 & 15 this season are still playing basketball. At least they are scheduled to take on the 19 & 10 Chicago Bulls tonight in the windy city. The Raptors had 2 recent games postponed due to covid.

The Montreal Alouettes have released quarterback Trevor Harris. It comes less than a week after the Als signed quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. to an extension through the 2023 season. Harris was also due a half-million dollar bonus this winter.