COVID-19

May 26, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. moves to make antiviral drug more available against COVID-19 (AP News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• No news

​Quebec

• OIC 865-2022: Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (Gazette Officielle)

May 25, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• Province doesn't expect restrictions to return even as COVID-19 spreads through B.C. workplaces (CBC News)

Ontario 

• Toronto Public Health hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Doors Open Toronto on May 28 and 29 (News Release)

​Quebec

• No news

May 24, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. FDA sets June meeting dates for Moderna, Pfizer small children COVID-19 vaccines (Reuters)

• U.S. sees risk of COVID-19 supply rationing without more funds (AP News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• No news

​Quebec

• Order in Council 834-2022: Declaring Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (in force on May 24, 2022)

May 20, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 62 (Canada Gazette)

U.S. – Federal

• CDC strengthens recommendations and expands eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots (CDC News)

• U.S. CDC backs COVID-19 boosters for children aged 5 to 11 (Reuters)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• Team Toronto hosting 34 COVID-19 vaccine clinics across the city this Victoria Day long weekend (News Release)

​Quebec

• Montreal ends COVID-19 state of emergency (Montreal Gazette)

May 19, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• As COVID-19 cases rise, U.S. health officials mull widening additional booster eligibility (Reuters)

• A third of U.S. should be considering masks, officials say (AP News)

• Use of Pfizer COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid up 315 per cent: U.S. health department (The Globe and Mail)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• Toronto Public Health works with Shoppers Drug Mart to increase COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for people 50 and older (News Release)

​Quebec

• MO 2022-31: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (Gazette Officielle)

• MO 2022-32: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (Gazette Officielle)

• MO 2022-33: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (Gazette Officielle)

• MO 2022-35: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (Gazette Officielle)

• OIC 834-2022: Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act

• OIC 862-2022: Extension of the effect of the Act to establish a perimeter around certain places in order to regulate demonstrations in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic (Gazette Officielle)

• Quebec health workers will no longer be paid for COVID-19 isolation leave (CTV News)

   

May 18, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• H.R.7334: COVID–19 EIDL Fraud Statute of Limitations Act of 2022 (in force on May 17, 2022)

• H.R.7794: To require a particular jury instruction in Federal civil actions that include a claim for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19

• U.S. FDA authorizes Pfizer's COVID-19 booster shot for young children (Reuters)

• Biden offering additional 8 free COVID-19 tests to public (AP News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• No news

​Quebec

• No news

May 9, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Public health agency trying to find out how many Canadians are struggling with "long COVID" (CBC)

• Federal COVID-19 supports expire today as Ottawa says "extraordinary", measures are no longer needed (CBC)

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• Mayor John Tory terminates the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 emergency declaration (News Release)

• Toronto Public Health looks to extend vaccine equity and hyper-local strategy (News Release)

​Quebec

• No news

May 2, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• FDA sets June meetings on COVID-19 vaccines for youngest kids (AP News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• No news

​Quebec

• No news

March 31, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• CDC drops COVID-19 health warning for cruise ship travelers (AP News)

Alberta

• Treatment options for immunocompromised Albertans explored as tough subvariant takes hold (CBC News)

British Columbia

• B.C. ends COVID-19 quarantine program for temporary foreign workers (CBC News)

Ontario 

• Ontario to give out rapid tests until July as science table head says sixth COVID-19 wave underway (CBC News)

Quebec

• M.O. 2022-026: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Public Health Act (chapter S-2.2) (in force on March 31, 2022)

• M.O. 2022-027: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Public Health Act (chapter S-2.2) (in force on March 31, 2022)

• M.O. 2022-028: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Public Health Act (chapter S-2.2) (in force on March 31, 2022)

• M.O. 2022-029: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Public Health Act (chapter S-2.2) (in force on March 31, 2022)

• O.I.C. 595-2022: Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (Gazette Officielle)

• National Assembly work disrupted as COVID-19 sidelines mergers and acquisitions (Montreal Gazette)

• COVID-19 pandemic - Administration of the booster dose (fourth dose) has begun in living environments (News Release)

• Public health institute says Quebec is in sixth wave, urges people to reduce contacts (CBC News)

March 30, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• O.I.C. 2022-0265: Regulations amending the Income Tax Regulations (COVID-19 — Twenty-Sixth Qualifying Period) in order to temporarily expand the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) for entities subject to a public health order that restricts capacity by at least 50 per cent from February 13, 2022 to March 12, 2022 (in force on March 30, 2022)

U.S. – Federal

• Florida, other states challenge CDC transit mask rule (AP News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• B.C. defends mask mandate removal after human rights commissioner raises concerns (CTV News)

Ontario 

• Ontario has entered the sixth COVID-19 wave, doctors say (CTV News)

Quebec

• O.C. 319-2022: Extension of the COVID-19 self-test distribution program (Gazette Officielle) 

• Workforce in the context of a pandemic - Incentive measures for network personnel renewed for a minimum of four weeks (News Release)

March 29, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Government of Canada investments support communities, northerners and Indigenous peoples across the Northwest Territories as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (News Release)

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. FDA authorizes fourth dose of Pfizer COVID-19 shot for Americans 50 years of age and above (CBC News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• B.C.'s "hasty" lifting of mask mandate puts vulnerable at risk: human rights commissioner (CTV News)

Ontario 

• No news

Quebec

• Experts say Quebec has entered a sixth wave of COVID-19 propelled by BA.2 subvariant (CTV News)

March 28, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• Department of Defence awards contract modifications to purchase COVID-19 antigen over-the-counter test kits in support of POTUS’ one billion free at-home COVID-19 tests (News Release)

• California schools prepare to spot post-break COVID-19 cases (AP News)

Alberta

• Is it time for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine? Not just yet (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Guidance for courthouse users during the COVID-19 pandemic (Guidance)

• Back to school: Masks no longer required when B.C. teachers and students return from spring break (CTV News)

Ontario 

• Ontario reports highest COVID-19 positivity rate since late January at nearly 18 per cent (CTV News)

• Team Toronto launches Vax and Ride to bring 75 vaccine clinics to TTC stations (News Release)

Quebec

• COVID-19 pandemic - Transmission of the BA2 variant: every citizen must exercise caution (News Release)

• Ministerial Order 2022-024: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation

• Quebec likely heading toward sixth wave, says public health director (CBC)

March 25, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 57 (Canada Gazette)

• An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility), and another Act in response to COVID-19 (S.C. 2021, c. 3) (Canada Gazette)

• WHO rejects Medicago COVID-19 vaccine over Canadian company’s ties to the tobacco industry (The Globe and Mail)

U.S. – Federal

• H.R.7213: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide pharmacy reimbursement for COVID-19 related and future emergency services (in force on March 24, 2022)

• New York City restarts vaccine clinics in public schools, where many children remain unvaccinated (NYT)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• O. Reg. 235/22: Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response To COVID-19) Act, 2020 (in force on March 24, 2022)

• O. Reg. 234/22: Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response To COVID-19) Act, 2020 (in force on March 24, 2022)

Quebec

• Quebec should plan mass COVID-19 second-booster program for the fall: vaccine committee (The Globe and Mail)

March 24, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• An Act to provide further support in response to COVID-19 (S.C. 2021, c.26) (Canada Gazette)

• Coronavirus Update: Pharmacists say they should be playing a bigger role in providing access to COVID-19 medication Paxlovid (The Globe and Mail)

U.S. – Federal

• The White House is pressing Congress for more COVID-19 funds as an Omicron subvariant spreads (NYT)

• Airlines ask Biden to end mask requirements for planes and airports (NYT)

Alberta

• Subvariant of Omicron now dominant strain of COVID-19 in Alberta (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Rapid tests for people 18 years of age and older available at pharmacies (News Release)

Ontario 

• No news

Quebec

• O.I.C 341-2022: Declaring renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (in force on March 23, 2022)

• M.O. 2022-023: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 situation (in force on March 23, 2022)

• Too soon to say Quebec's in a sixth COVID-19 wave, health director says (Montreal Gazette)

March 23, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, but unvaccinated Canadians still can't board planes or trains (CBC News)

U.S. – Federal

• Moderna says its low-dose COVID-19 shots work for kids under six years of age (AP News)

• U.S. Department of Labor reopens rulemaking record, schedules public hearing on the proposed final rule to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 exposure (US Dept of Labor)

• HHS distributing an additional US$413-million in provider relief fund payments to healthcare providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (HHS)

• New York City may lift rules requiring face masks for children under 5 years of age (CTV News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• No news

Quebec

• COVID-19 live updates: As cases, hospitalizations rise, Quebec to provide fourth vaccine dose to CHSLD residents, people 80 years of age or older (Montreal Gazette)
• Université Laval medical students forced online after COVID-19 outbreak (CBC News)

   

March 22, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• When will feds lift COVID-19 mandates? It’s complicated, Minister says (CTV News)

• Canada's International Development Minister urges WHO to approve Medicago vaccine (CTV News)

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. FDA advisers to discuss COVID-19 vaccine boosters in April (Reuters)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• Rapid tests for people 30+ available at pharmacies (News Release)

Ontario 

• 89 per cent of eligible Toronto residents have now received two COVID-19 vaccine doses (Toronto News Release)

Quebec

• No news

March 21, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Vaccine Hunters Canada winds down operations for a second time (CTV News)

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• Calgary gets court injunction against anti-mandate protesters amid increasing tensions (The Globe and Mail)

British Columbia

• Ministry of Health – Overview of Visitors in Long-Term Care and Seniors’ Assisted Living (in force on March 18, 2022)

Ontario 

• Ontario lifts mask mandates in most public spaces including schools, retail settings (CBC News)

• Team Toronto launches Vax And Spring as hyper-local COVID-19 vaccine clinic push continues with 24 clinics over seven days (Toronto News Release)

Quebec

• MO 2022-022: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (in force on March 18, 2022)

March 18, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 56 (Canada Gazette)

• Tam says the federal government is “examining” all vaccine mandates (CBC News)

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• Minister's statement on COVID-19 supports for B.C. businesses (News Release)

Ontario 

• City of Toronto following provincial guidance to remove most face mask requirements as of March 21, 2022 (News Release)

• TDSB dropping mask mandate after Ontario government declines request for extension (CTV News)

• City of Toronto staff report recommends a phased approach to COVID-19 temporary shelter transitions (News Release)

• Ontario rejects Toronto school board’s request to keep mask mandate (The Globe and Mail)

Quebec

• O.I.C 318-2022: Community pharmacy access program for certain COVID-19 pharmaceutical treatments (Gazette Officielle)

• O.I.C 320-2022: Extension of the effect of the Act to establish a perimeter around certain places in order to regulate demonstrations in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic (Gazette Officielle)

• Quebec tourism industry gears up for busy summer as cross-border testing requirements ease (Montreal Gazette)

• Quebec's Medicago COVID-19 vaccine faces WHO rejection over company's tobacco ties (CBC News)

 

March 17, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Health Canada approves Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 6 to 11 (CBC News)

• What to know about Canada’s travel rules as of April 1, 2022 (CTV News)

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• Alberta to cut back on reporting of COVID-19 numbers to once a week (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Province launches review of pandemic response (News Release)

• B.C. Housing accepts all four recommendations made in the audit of response to the COVID-19 pandemic (The Globe and Mail)

• Notice of Repeal of the Overnight Camps for Children and Youth Order (in force on March 11, 2022)

Ontario 

• Team Toronto extends Vax And Read to bring more COVID-19 vaccine clinics to Toronto Public Library branches (Toronto News Release)

Quebec

• O.I.C. 272-2022: Declaring renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (in force on March 16, 2022)

March 16, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Federal government to end pre-arrival COVID-19 testing for travellers entering Canada (CBC News)

U.S. – Federal

• Pandemic preparedness bill moves ahead; funding still needed (AP News)

• U.S. Senate votes to overturn transit mask mandate; Biden vows veto (Reuters)

• U.S. will run out of key COVID-19 treatments without more funds, White House says (Reuters)

Alberta

• Unvaccinated healthcare workers called back to work after AHS COVID-19 vaccine mandate lifted (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Rapid tests available for people aged 40 years or older at pharmacies (News Release)

Ontario 

• No news

Quebec

• COVID-19 pandemic: The government ensures a transition to end the health emergency (News Release)

• Quebec tables bill to end pandemic state of emergency (CBC News)

• Court hears legal challenge of Quebec's vaccine passport (CTV News)

   

March 15, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Courts will have to consider the reasonableness of delays during COVID-19, experts say (The Globe and Mail)

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. seeks to expand COVID-19 data collection under CDC (The Globe and Mail)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• Mask and vaccine requirements to continue at Carleton University, University of Ottawa (CBC News)

• Many Ontario long-term care homes keeping vaccine mandates as province lifts policy (CTV News)

Quebec

• No news

March 14, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• Issuance of multiple exemptions in response to COVID-19 public health emergency (Federal Register)

• H.R.7069: To establish the Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic.

• U.S. seeks to expand Trump-era COVID data collection under CDC (Reuters)

Alberta

• University of Alberta drops mask mandate, surprising students and professors (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Some parents frustrated as B.C. removes "layer of protection" in schools by dropping mask mandate (CBC News)

• In B.C., masks, other COVID-19 safety measures are down to their final days (The Globe and Mail)

Ontario 

• O. Reg. 213/22: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (filed on March 11, 2022)

• Provincial status on COVID-19 (update on March 11, 2022)

• Ontario lifts vaccine mandates in schools, hospitals and long term care homes (CBC News)

• Parents with kids under age five feel "left behind" with ending of mask mandates (CTV News)

Quebec

• Western Quebec businesses relieved as vaccine passport ends (CBC News)

• Removal of vaccine passport causes mixed feelings in Montréal (Montreal Gazette)

• Only masks will remain — Quebec lifts all other pandemic restrictions tomorrow (Montreal Gazette)

  
  
   

March 11, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Order approving Interim Order No. 3 Respecting the Importation and Sale of Medical Devices for Use in Relation to COVID-19 (Canada Gazette)

• Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 55 (Canada Gazette)

• Public Health Agency of Canada, Quarantine Act Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada) (Canada Gazette)

• Public Health Agency of Canada, Quarantine Act Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations) (Canada Gazette)

U.S. – Federal

• Mask use on public transportation (CDC)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• Almost all mask requirements lifted in B.C., but businesses can still make their own rules (CBC News)

• No vaccine mandate for regulated health professionals, B.C. officials confirm (CBC News)

• B.C. takes next step in balanced plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions (News Release)

• Food and Liquor Serving Premises (in force on March 10, 2022) 

• Gatherings and Events (in force on March 10, 2022)

• Mask requirements to be lifted Friday in B.C., vaccine cards remain in place until April 8, 2022 (CBC News)

Ontario 

• More than 70 COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be open during March Break (Toronto News Release)

• O. Reg. 168/22: Revoking Various Regulations (in force on March 10, 2022)

• O. Reg. 167/22: Extensions of Orders. (in force on March 10, 2022)

• TDSB to lift most COVID-19 measures as provincial restrictions set to end March 21, 2022 (CBC News)

Quebec

• No news

March 10, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. to ease nationwide mask mandate on planes, buses, transit (CTV News)

• The vaccine mandate remains at some New York City restaurants (NYT)

Alberta

• Bill 4: Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022

• Alberta COVID-19 immunization policy (News Release)

• A pop-up vaccine clinic to support Calgary families (News Release)

• ​Bill overruling local mask laws​ "a precedent we don't appreciate," Alberta municipal leaders say (CBC News)

British Columbia

• B.C. to update COVID-19 restrictions after indicating they could ease (CBC News)

Ontario 

• The city of Toronto COVID-19 mask bylaw to expire when most provincial masking regulations are lifted on March 21, 2022 (Toronto News Release)

• Lifting mask mandate in Ontario schools "premature," puts in-person learning at risk, education union says (CBC News)

Quebec

• MO 2022-020: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (Gazette Officielle)

• OIC 214-2022: Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (Gazette Officielle)

• If you live with someone who has COVID-19, Quebec will no longer ask you to stay home (CBC News)

   

March 9, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Masks likely aren't going anywhere in Canada — even as provinces ditch mandates (CBC News)

U.S. – Federal

• Department of Commerce, U.S. Travel Association host roundtable on promoting safe business travel and igniting post-pandemic recovery in the travel and tourism sector (Dept of Commerce)

• Fact sheet: Biden administration launches nationwide test-to-treat initiative ensuring rapid "on the spot" access to lifesaving COVID-19 treatments (HHS)

Alberta

• Bill 4: Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022. First Reading on March 8, 2022.

• Province delivers certainty for public health rules (News Release)

• AHS mandatory vaccination policy lifted (News Release)

• Alberta introduces legislation to limit COVID-19 rule-making by municipalities (CBC News)

• Edmonton council repeals city's mask bylaw but pitches new one (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Health minister denies backing off promised vaccine mandate for B.C. health professionals (CBC News)

Ontario 

• Thousands of Ontario restaurants, small businesses waiting on Ontario COVID-19 relief grants (The Globe and Mail)

• Ontario to drop most mask mandates on March 21, remaining pandemic rules to lift by end of April (CBC News)

• Toronto should drop its mask mandate when the province does, city’s top doctor recommends (CBC News)

Quebec

• No news
  
   

March 8, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• Allowed to go maskless, some New York City students choose not to (NYT)

• The White House said it is offering a second round of free coronavirus tests to all Americans (NYT)

Alberta

• More transmissible subvariant on course to displace original Omicron strain in Alberta (CBC)

• City council to decide if Edmonton will continue with mask bylaw (CBC)

• Calgary school boards report fewer student and staff absences due to illness (CBC)

British Columbia

• COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health professionals pushed back again (CBC)

• PHO finalizes order for health-care professionals (News Release)

• Health Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventative Measures (in force on March 7, 2022)

• Cruise ships will return to B.C. in April, following new federal COVID-19 guidelines (CBC)

Ontario 

• Ottawa announces COVID-19 rules for return of cruise ships to Canadian ports (CBC)

• Ontario pharmacists want the ability to offer antivirals to patients with COVID-19 (CBC)

Quebec

• Masks no longer required in Quebec's primary and secondary classrooms (Montreal Gazette)
  
   

March 7, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• As provinces lift mandates, federal officials say mask-wearing a "personal choice" (CTV News)

• Public health officials welcome moves to ease restrictions as COVID-19 metrics improve (CBC News)

U.S. – Federal

• Impact of health misinformation in the digital information environment in the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Request for Information (RFI) (Federal Register)

• White House: Congress must act soon to replenish COVID-19 funds (AP News)

Alberta

• Alberta stockpiles at-home COVID-19 treatments, ponders expanding eligibility (CBC News)

• Alberta calls for an end to "pointless" federal COVID-19 travel restrictions (CTV News)

• COVID-19 information: guidance for preschool, day-care and out-of-school care (child care) (updated on March 4, 2022)

British Columbia

• Rapid tests for people above 60 years of age at pharmacies (News Release)

• Restaurants, bars worry end to pandemic patio allowances will hurt bottom line (CBC News)

Ontario 

• Ontario pharmacists want ability to offer antivirals to patients with COVID-19 (CBC News)

• Many Ontario police services keeping COVID-19 vaccine mandates for now (The Globe and Mail)

Quebec

• MO 2022-020: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation (in force on March 4, 2022)

• With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, what are the new etiquette rules? (Montreal Gazette)

   

 

March 4, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Omicron wave, vaccination rates mean Canada well protected for now: Tam (CTV News)

U.S. – Federal

• Maximizing assistance to respond to COVID-19, memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security [and] the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Federal Register)

• Guidance documents related to coronavirus disease 2019; availability (notice by the Food & Drug Administration, Federal Register)

• More than 90 per cent of U.S. population in areas where masks not needed - CDC (Reuters)

Alberta

• COVID-19 restrictions to remain in Alberta courts until further notice (CBC)

• Vaccine mandate ended for Alberta public servants, Premier says (CBC)

British Columbia

• Experts worry about low COVID-19 vaccination rates in kids as restrictions lift across Canada (CBC)

Ontario 

• Mayor Tory announces major in-person events to return to Toronto this spring and summer (News Release)

• Ontario could drop its mask mandate by the end of March, top doctor says (CBC)

Quebec

• Quebec public health director defends plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions early (CBC)

• Masks will become "a personal choice", Quebec public health director says (Montreal Gazette)

  
   

March 3, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• Masks optional in many New York schools after mandate ends (AP News)

Alberta

• COVID-19 information: guidance for masks for the general public (Publication)

British Columbia

• PHO Order: Residential care COVID-19 vaccination status information

• B.C.'s tourism industry wants rapid antigen testing for travellers eliminated (CTV News)

Ontario 

• Team Toronto launches Vax And Read to bring COVID-19 vaccine clinics to Toronto Public Library branches (News Release)

Quebec

• OIC 211-2022: Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (Gazette Officielle)

• Quebec to soon lift public masking requirements (CBC News)

March 2, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• SOR/2022-18: Clinical trials for medical devices and drugs relating to COVID-19 regulations (Canada Gazette)

• Hospitality and travel group urges the Canadian government to further ease COVID-19 restrictions (CBC News)

U.S. – Federal

• Biden announces new COVID-19 initiative that gives Americans free pills (Reuters)

• Biden outlines COVID-19 plans, says it’s time to return to work (AP News)

• New York City to wind down most coronavirus contact tracing (AP News)

Alberta

• Premier calls for end to vaccine mandate for Alberta Health Services staff (CBC News)

British Columbia

• Businesses can "absolutely" keep checking vaccine passports after B.C. lifts order, officials say (CTV News)

• B.C. could drop more COVID-19 restrictions, Bonnie Henry says (The Globe and Mail)

Ontario 

• Bill 90: No COVID-19 Evictions Act, 2022. First Reading on March 1, 2022.

• Federal public servants get the green light for a gradual return to the office (CBC News)

• Ontario lifts most COVID-19 restrictions, mask mandates continue (The Globe and Mail)

• Ontario Public Service employees must return to in-person work by April 4, 2022 (CTV News)

Quebec

• Judge rejects legal challenge to Quebec's vaccine passport (CTV News)

• Quebec to resume monitoring wastewater for COVID-19 (CBC)

  
   

March 1, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• Prioritizing case investigations and contact tracing for COVID-19 in high burden jurisdictions (CDC)

• California, Oregon, Washington to drop school mask mandates (AP News)

• White House: 40 per cent of free COVID-19 tests to low-income areas (AP News)

Alberta

• Order 09-2022: Outlines the masking requirements in Step 2 of easing public health measures (in force on February 28, 2022)

• Alberta drops almost all public health restrictions (News Release)

• Alberta mask mandates end at midnight Monday (CTV News)

• Alberta to force municipalities to lift mask bylaws (CBC News)

• Alberta's ambulance response times have worsened from the start of the pandemic, data shows (CBC News)

British Columbia

• COVID-19 Update Conference for March 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM PT (Youtube)

Ontario 

• City of Toronto enters Roadmap Exit Step of provincial COVID-19 reopening (News Release)

• Big shift back to in-person office work expected this month in Toronto as COVID-19 restrictions lift (CBC) 

• Ottawa not seeking local COVID-19 rules as Ontario lifts some province-wide ones (CBC News) 

• Ontario lifts vaccine certificate system, remaining capacity limits in all indoor settings (CBC News)

• Toronto Public Library reopening 30 branches closed during Omicron wave (CBC News)

Quebec

• No news

January 31, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)
 
Canada – Federal

• O.I.C 0041: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada)

• O.I.C 0042: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations)

• As Ontario, Quebec loosen COVID-19 restrictions, here’s what’s open across the country (CBC)

• Feds remove special travel requirements for travellers coming from India, Morocco (CTV News)

 
U.S. – Federal

• H.R.6530: To amend the Public Health Service Act to sustain senior congregate care operations in the wake of ongoing COVID-19 financial burdens, and for other purposes.

• Department of Defense awards contract to iHealth Lab Inc., to purchase COVID-19 antigen over-the-counter test kits in support of President Biden's 500 million free at-home COVID-19 tests (News Release)

• U.S. orders 100 million additional COVID-19 tests to give out (Reuters)

 
Alberta

• Alberta premier says massive blockade preventing access to U.S. border “must end” (CBC)

• COVID-19 phone lines and virtual clinics aim to relieve the burden on Alberta ERs (CBC)

 
British Columbia

• Order of the Provincial Health Officer — Gatherings and Events on January 27, 2022

• Rapid tests rolling out in some B.C. school districts, province says more on the way (CTV News)

• B.C. could lift more COVID-19 restrictions by February 21, 2022, Dr. Bonnie Henry says (The Globe and Mail)

 
Ontario 

• Some urge vaccine certificates to require three doses as Ontario set for reopening (CBC)

• City of Toronto resuming services as Team Toronto continues to offer hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination options (News Release)

• City of Toronto immunization clinics now accepting walk-ins aged five and older for COVID-19 vaccines (News Release)

 
Quebec

• Ministerial Order 2022-011: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation issued on January 29, 2022

• COVID-19 in Quebec: What you need to know Monday (CBC)

 

January 28, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Government of Canada provides update about Canada’s border measures (News Release)

• Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 52 (Canada Gazette)

• Interim Order No. 2 Respecting Vessel Restrictions and Vaccination Requirements Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Canada Gazette)

U.S. – Federal

• Vaccine mandate to kick in for first wave of health workers (AP News)

Alberta

• Alberta Premier "confident" COVID-19 measures could be relaxed by end of March (CTV News)

British Columbia

• B.C. health officials say some COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted by Family Day, February 21, 2022 (CBC)

Ontario 

• Ontario invests in innovations to help control the spread of COVID-19 (News Release)

• Ontario releases guidelines for Paxlovid COVID-19 treatment eligibility (The Globe and Mail)

• Ontario to resume non-urgent surgeries on January 31, 2022, when province lifts some COVID-19 restrictions (CBC)

Quebec

• Quebec plans to ease more restrictions on February 14, 2022, public health director says (Montreal Gazette)

• Truckers Freedom Convoy passes through Quebec on Friday (Montreal Gazette)

 

January 27, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Proposed new post-pandemic standards for long-term care being released today (CBC)

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• Rapid asymptomatic COVID-19 screening: Program Overview. Updated on January 26, 2022

British Columbia

• Human rights complaint filed against B.C. health-care authority over N95 respirator ban (CBC)

• Rapid tests being delivered to support B.C. child-care providers (News Release)

• More B.C. school districts require staff to be vaccinated (CBC)

• B.C. extends proof of vaccine card program to the end of June (The Globe and Mail)

Ontario 

• O.Reg. 25/22: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step. In force on January 31, 2022.

• O.Reg. 26/22: Steps of Reopening. In force on January 31, 2022.

• Ontario's crackdown on COVID-19 vaccine medical exemptions seems to be working (CBC)

Quebec

• O.I.C. 94-2022: Declaring renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (January 27, 2022)

• M.O. 2022-010: Ordering of measure to protect the health of the population amide the COVID-19 pandemic situation (dated January 27, 2022)

• Montréal school board provides parents with overview of COVID-related absences (CBC)

• Quebec has issued C$45-million in fines during the pandemic, but only a fraction of them have been paid (Montreal Gazette)

 

January 26, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Omicron subvariant BA.2 reported in Canada: PHAC (CTV News)

U.S. – Federal

• COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard (Federal Register)

• HHS Distributing US$2-billion More in Provider Relief Fund Payments to Health-care Providers Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic (HHS)

• New York state mask mandate back in effect as judge grants stay in appeal (Reuters)

Alberta

• New at-home COVID-19 treatment on its way to Alberta (News Release)

British Columbia

• B.C. vaccine card extended, youth tournaments to resume (News Release)

Ontario 

• Child-care operators, staff call for access to PCR testing, more HEPA filters (CBC)

Quebec

• M.O. 2022-009: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation issued on January 25, 2022

• Quebec announced several relaxations as of January 31 (News Release)

• Rapid test self-declaration platform goes live (News Release)

• Quebec announces plan to reopen restaurants, cinemas in coming weeks (CBC)

 

January 25, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Federal government won't budge on vaccine mandate for truckers as convoy heads for Ottawa (CBC)

U.S. – Federal

• Issuance of multiple exemptions in response to COVID-19 public health emergency (Federal Register)

• A New York judge rules that the state’s mask mandate is unconstitutional and can’t be enforced (NYT)

Alberta

• Addressing emergency medical services pressures (News Release)

•  Alberta responds as COVID-19 calls swamping emergency medical response (CBC News)

British Columbia

• No news

Ontario 

• Ontario Supports Havelock Company’s Investment in Sanitizer-Grade Ethanol (News Release)

• Ontario back-to-school effort roiled by absences, Quebec looks to incentivize COVID-19 vaccination (The Globe and Mail)

Quebec

• Order No. 2022-008 of the Minister of Health and Social Services issued on January 23, 2022.

• Actions to reach people who have not received their first dose of vaccine (News Release)

• Quebec announces plan to reopen restaurants, cinemas in coming weeks (CBC)

• Quebec plans to intensify its COVID-19 vaccine strategies (Montreal Gazette)

• Quebec businesses open again on Sundays as new vaccine requirement looms (Montreal Gazette)

 

January 24, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• S.3516: Increase Access to COVID Testing Act

Alberta

• Guidance for camps (News Release)

British Columbia

• Indoor Exercise, Fitness, & Dance Class Facility COVID-19 Guidance (Ministry of Health)

Ontario 

• Ontario restaurants take pragmatic approach as they come out of yet another lockdown (The Globe and Mail)

• More than 330 Ontario schools report absence rates of 30 per cent or higher (CTV News)

Quebec

• Important announcement regarding Operation workforce in the education network (News Release)

• Order No. 2022-007 of the Minister of Health and Social Services

• COVID-19 vaccine passports now required to enter big-box stores in Quebec (CTV News)

• Quebec pharmacies to receive more rapid tests this week (Montreal Gazette)

• Facing backlash, Quebec says pandemic rules may be relaxed before mid-February (Montreal Gazette)

 

January 21, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Indigenous Services Canada flowing C$125-million in COVID-19 public health funding directly to First Nations Communities (News Release)

U.S. – Federal

• S.3461: Prohibiting Private Sector Vaccine Mandates Act of 2022

Alberta

• Protecting the health-care system from Omicron peak (News Release)

British Columbia

• Order of the Provincial Health Officer regarding Workplace Safety, January 20, 2022

• 'We cannot eliminate all risk': B.C. starting to manage COVID-19 more like common cold, officials say (CTV News)

• Some communities across B.C. lose health-care services as Omicron cuts into staffing (CBC)

• BCCDC apologizes for creating confusion by repeatedly changing isolation advice (CBC)

Ontario 

• Ontario Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Students and Education Staff (News Release)

Quebec

• Ministerial Order 2022-005 of the Minister of Health and Social Services, issued on January 21, 2022

• Rapid screening tests made available to students in all high schools in Quebec (News Release)

• To counter false vaccine passports: interdepartmental, police and citizen collaboration (News Release)

• Montréal health agency unable to analyze COVID-19 tests in time, throws out thousands (CBC)

January 20, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. begins offering one-billion free COVID tests, but many more needed (AP News)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• Updated guidance shortens COVID-19 isolation time for unvaccinated B.C. children (CTV News)

• B.C. businesses closed because of COVID-19 orders can now get up to C$20,000 in relief (CTV News)

• ‘Staffing crisis' forces reduced hours at B.C. hospitals, cancelled surgeries (CTV News)

• B.C. doubling relief funding for eligible businesses still closed due to COVID-19 (CBC)

Ontario 

• O. Reg. 17/22: Made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Amending O.Reg. 25/21 (Filed January 20, 2022)

• Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures (News Release)

• Toronto students head back to class after snowstorm, COVID-19 remote learning (CBC)

Quebec

• O.I.C. 51-2022: Renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act (Gazette Officielle)

• O.I.C. 90-2022: Extension of the effect of the Act to establish a perimeter around certain places in order to regulate demonstration in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic (Gazette Officielle)

• The Omicron variant forces the STQ to adapt its service (News Release)

• Quebec hospitals to start administering new Pfizer drug to high-risk COVID-19 patients (CBC)

• Quebec pharmacies will receive more COVID-19 rapid tests next week (Montreal Gazette)

• UPAC cracking down on fake vaccine passports (Montreal Gazette)

• ​Quebec's Nunavik region moves into lockdown to contain Omicron, curfew in effect (Montreal Gazette)

 January 19, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Lockdown Regions Designations Order (COVID-19): SOR/2021-275 (Canada Gazette)

• SOR/2021-276: Regulations Amending the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act (Lockdown Order Definition and Minimum Lockdown Period) (Canada Gazette)

• SOR/2021-277: Order Amending the Lockdown Regions Designations Order (COVID-19) (Canada Gazette)

• SOR/2022-1: Order Amending the Lockdown Regions Designations Order (COVID-19), No. 2 (Canada Gazette)

• Canada terminates C$222-million PPE contract following forced labour probe Social Sharing (CBC)

U.S. – Federal

• S.3514: A bill to repeal COVID-19 vaccination requirements imposed by the District of Columbia.

• S.3516: A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide emergency use authorization with respect to certain COVID-19 diagnostic tests approved for use in the European Union.

• U.S. to make 400 million N95 masks available for free to fight COVID-19 pandemic (Reuters)

• U.S. government website to order free COVID-19 tests is now up and running (Reuters)

Alberta

• CMOH Order 03-2022: Updated operational and outbreak standards for licensed supportive living, long term care and hospice settings. Published on January 18, 2022.

• Immunocompromised Albertans eligible for 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose (CTV News)

• Hospitals see influx of children with COVID-19 as Alberta battles 5th wave (CBC)

• Alberta-run jails have the highest COVID-19 rate in the country (CBC)

• Edmonton's public school board wants province to expand COVID-19 child vaccination options (CBC)

British Columbia

• Food and Liquor Serving Premises – January 17, 2022: Order of the Provincial Health Officer

Ontario

• O.Reg. 16/22: Rules for Areas in Step 2 Made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. In force on January 18, 2022.

• City of Toronto to distribute COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits to community-based child care providers (News Release)

• Ontario premier says 'positive news' coming this week on COVID-19 restrictions (CTV News)

• Most Toronto schools will reopen for in-person learning Wednesday (CTV News)

Quebec

• Quebecers with disabilities struggle with rapid tests, say advocates (CBC)

• Quebec health care needs overhaul, unions tell CHSLDs inquest (Montreal Gazette)

• Quebec plans to reduce care standards in hospitals if COVID-19 surge continues (Montreal Gazette)

• Quebec to receive first shipment of oral treatment for COVID-19 this week (Montreal Gazette)

January 18, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Grocery store closures loom amid labour, product shortages (CTV News)

• Government of Canada receives first delivery of COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment (News Release)

• Health Canada authorizes PAXLOVID for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at high risk of developing serious disease (News Release)

U.S. – Federal

• No news

Alberta

• Alberta’s post-secondary schools will not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff (The Globe and Mail)

British Columbia

• School Staff Member Vaccination Status Reporting (Order of the Provincial Health Officer)

• B.C. teachers must disclose COVID-19 vaccination status under new public health order (CBC)

• School in B.C.'s Interior closes after teachers refuse to work due to high number of unmasked students (CBC)

• Vancouver elementary school could be headed for closure again (CBC)

• Expiration dates removed for B.C.'s COVID-19 orders around gatherings, events, bars and gyms (CTV News)

Ontario

• Ontario to introduce policies requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or regular tests for staff in health care, education (The Globe and Mail)

Quebec

• Quebec hospitals to start administering new Pfizer drug to high-risk COVID-19 patients (CBC)

  

January 17, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal 

• COVID-19 Subsidies – Explanatory Notes Relating to the Income Tax Act and Income Tax Regulations (News Release)

• Health Canada approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 therapeutic (CBC)

• Students in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Nova Scotia return to school amid Omicron (CTV News)

• Canada’s vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers comes into effect (The Globe and Mail)

• Health-care system hit hard by staffing shortages amid COVID-19 surge (The Globe and Mail)

U.S. – Federal

• Request for a Religious Exception to the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement and Request for a Medical Exception to the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement (Federal Register)

• S. 3486 Masks for All Act of 2022 (introduced January 12, 2022)

Alberta

• No news

British Columbia

• Order in Council No. 22 regarding the Access to Services (COVID-19) Regulation (approved January 17, 2022)

Ontario

• School boards warn of potential last-minute class cancellations during COVID surge (CBC)

Quebec

• Ministerial orders issued by the Minister of Health and Social Services: 2022-004 and 2022-003 (January 15, 2022) and 2022-002 (January 14, 2022)

• Safety concerns abound as Quebec students head back to school this week (CBC)

 

January 14, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Interim Order No. 51: Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19 (published in Canada Gazette on January 15, 2022)

U.S. – Federal

• Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for U.S. businesses (AP News)

Alberta

• Alberta’s two largest universities delay return to in-person classes until late February (CBC)

British Columbia

• No news January 14, 2022

Ontario

• O.Reg. 8/22: Extensions of orders made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (in force January 13, 2022)

• TDSB says it will alert families about COVID-19 cases when school restarts (CBC)

• Ontario school boards warn of potential last-minute class cancellations during COVID-19 surge (CTV News)

• Ontario's top doctor says he 'can't guarantee' that businesses will reopen on January 26 (CTV News)

Quebec

• Quebec's 10 p.m. curfew will be lifted on Monday (CTV News)

 

January 13, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Ottawa drops vaccine mandate for its truckers after pressure from industry (The Globe and Mail)

U.S. – Federal

• H.R.6380: To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to make grants to the parents of students enrolled in elementary schools or secondary schools that, for any reason related to COVID-19, are failing to provide in-person instruction for each enrolled student for each school day of school year 2021-2022, and for other purposes.

• White House will double COVID-19 tests for schools (Reuters)

• U.S. business fears never-ending liability from 'take-home' COVID-19 lawsuits (Reuters)

Alberta

• Alberta premier says he won't follow Quebec plan to levy fee on COVID-19 unvaccinated (CBC)

British Columbia

• British Columbia Delta schools to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for teachers, staff (CBC News)

Ontario

• Ontario government increasing resources and investments to support return to in-person learning (News Release)

Quebec

• Order in Council 4-2022: Declaring renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act

• Quebec's elementary and high schools to return to class Monday, Legault says (CBC News)

• Quebec plans to lift curfew on Monday (CBC News)

• Appointments for first dose jump after Quebec announces 'anti-vax tax' (News Release)

 

January 12, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal 

• Provinces clamour for rapid tests while feds struggle to deliver (CTV News)

• Canada extending repayment of COVID-19 business aid loans to 2023 (CTV News)

• Canada has contracts for up to 100 million Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 doses in 2022 (The Globe and Mail)

U.S. – Federal

• Fact Sheet: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Increases COVID-⁠19 Testing in Schools to Keep Students Safe and Schools Open (White House)

• Biden wants U.S. agencies to mandate COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated employees by February 15 (Reuters)

• U.S. secures 600,000 more doses of GSK-Vir's COVID-19 therapy (Reuters)

Alberta

• CMOH Order 02-2022: 2022 COVID-19 response – Sets out isolation and related masking requirements in the Province of Alberta

British Columbia

• Applications now open for COVID-19 Closure Relief Grants (News Release)

Ontario

• O. Reg. 7/22: Extensions of order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (in force January 11, 2022)

• Hospitalizations rise amid staff shortages as health officials eye Omicron peak within weeks (The Globe and Mail)

• Ontario parents won’t be notified of COVID-19 outbreaks in schools until 30 per cent of students are absent (CTV News)

• Ontario bringing in more rapid tests as students set to return to school (CBC)

Quebec

• Unions worried about classroom safety as Quebec's back-to-school deadline looms (News Release)

 

January 11, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal 

• As Ontario confirms return to in-person schooling, Alberta, Saskatchewan face staff shortages. (The Globe and Mail)

• Government of Canada to assist Nova Scotia with COVID-19 immunization program. (News Release)

U.S. – Federal

• S.3461: A bill to provide that the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard" shall have no force or effect, and for other purposes.

• S.3463: A bill to impose sanctions and other measures in response to the failure of the Government of the People's Republic of China to allow an investigation into the origins of COVID-19 at suspect laboratories in Wuhan.

• S.3440: A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit the federal government from limiting state access to key therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, and from prioritizing federal contracts over state contracts relating to purchasing supplies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

• EU parliament told to fix illegal export of COVID data to U.S. (Bloomberg)

• Biden-Harris administration requires insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests, increasing access to free tests. (HHS) 

Alberta

• Alberta says its new 'critical worker exception' order is necessary to ease critical labour shortages. (CBC)

• Changes to COVID-19 testing eligibility. (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

British Columbia

• Order of the Provincial Health Officer: Regarding Regulated and Unregulated Health Professionals SARS-CoV-2 Immunization Order (January 9, 2022)

• Order of the Provincial Health Officer: Regarding Regulated Emergency Medical Assistants SARS-CoV-2 Immunization (January 9, 2022)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Ontario

• Ontario to deploy internationally trained nurses to hospitals as COVID-19 ICU admissions hit 477. (CBC)

• More than 100,000 kids have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine; more than 45 per cent of eligible residents have received their third dose. (News Release)

• Ontario invests in new disinfectant wipes production facility in Barrie. (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Quebec

• Unvaccinated Quebecers will have to pay a ‘health contribution,’ Legault says. (CBC)

• Quebec premier reveals replacement for top health official after sudden resignation. (CBC)

• 600,000 rapid test boxes to be distributed in Quebec starting today and more are on the way. (CBC)

• Quebec's public health director resigns as hospitals overwhelmed by Omicron. (CBC)

• COVID-19 booster shots now available for Quebecers 40 and older. (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

 

January 10, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• PC 2021-1050: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations), issued under the Quarantine Act on December 20, 2021. In force December 21, 2021. Published in Canada Gazette Part I, January 8, 2021.

U.S. – Federal

• Biden administration signs first contract for COVID test kits. (Reuters)

Alberta

• Requirements for the Restrictions Exemption Program.

• Guidance for schools (K-12) and school buses.

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

British Columbia

• K-12 students across B.C. head back to class as COVID-19 hospitalizations mount. (CBC)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Ontario

• Toronto reports absences among emergency services, ambulance delays. (CBC)

• Ontario adding more vaccine clinics for education and childcare staff. (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Quebec

• No news.

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants

 

January 7, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Interim Order No. 50: Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 50, published in Canada Gazette on January 8, 2022.

• Provinces could make vaccination mandatory, says federal health minister. (CBC) 

U.S. – Federal

• Tenth Amendment to Declaration Under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19. (Federal Register)

Alberta

• No news.

British Columbia

• RCMP detachments across the country brace for pandemic-driven staff shortages. (CBC)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Ontario

• Ontario providing supports for small businesses, workers and families. (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Quebec

• Deaths of elderly or vulnerable people in residential settings during the COVID-19 pandemic – Hearings resumed on January 10, 2022 (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

 

January 6, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• Order Repealing the Establishment Licence Fees Remission Order (Indication of an Activity in respect of a COVID-19 Drug).

• 140M rapid tests, enough pediatric COVID-19 doses for all second shots coming this month, says federal government (CTV News).

U.S. – Federal

• Pandemic-wary U.S. Supreme Court to weigh Biden vaccine mandates. (Reuters)

Alberta

• Students returning to in-person learning Jan. 10. (News Release)

• Education At-Home Rapid Testing Program: information for parents, students, and school staff.

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

British Columbia

• Ministers’, PHO statement on support for health-care workers, COVID-19 testing (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Ontario

• Ontario Accelerating Boosters for Education and Child Care Staff (News Release)

• Ontario tells hospitals to stop non-urgent surgeries, procedures to preserve critical-care capacity (CBC)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Quebec

• O.I.C 1-2022: Declaring renewal of the public health emergency pursuant to section 119 of the Public Health Act published on January 05, 2022.

• SGEE employees will be able to access PCR tests in screening clinics from January 15 (News Release).

• Quebec still plans to reopen schools Jan. 17 (CBC)

• Quebec expands vaccine passports to liquor, cannabis stores, with 3rd dose requirement on the way (CBC)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

 

January 5, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Minister of Health, and Government of Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease. (News Release)

• OIC 2022-0021: Announces upcoming regulations under the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act, which will be published in the Gazette on January 19, 2022.

U.S. – Federal

• Press Briefing by White House COVID-⁠19 Response Team and Public Health Officials. (News Release)

• U.S. CDC backs previous advice for five-day isolation; no test needed. (News Release)

• Biden Administration to Increase Supply of ‘Game Changer’ Pfizer Pill. (The New York Times)

• U.S. finalizing purchase of COVID tests, to be distributed for free. (News Release)

Alberta

• CMOH Order 01-2022: 2022 COVID-19 response issued January 4, 2022.

• Chief medical officer of health COVID-19 update.

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

British Columbia

• With Omicron dominating, businesses need plans for staying open as staff get sick, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says (CBC News)

• B.C. Update on COVID-19 and Vaccine Booster Campaign. (CPAC)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Ontario

• O. Reg. 363/20: Steps of Reopening – Consolidation period from January 5, 2022 to the E-Laws currency date.

• City of Toronto update on Omicron action plan, City services and staffing impacts due to unplanned absences (News Release)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Quebec

• Adjustments to the guidelines concerning the management of contacts and outbreaks in children's educational childcare services. (Ministry of Families)

• COVID-19 Pandemic – Changing priorities for testing and managing cases and contacts (Department of Health and Social Services)

• COVID-19 Pandemic – Instructions surrounding access to exceptional childcare services in schools (Ministry of Education)

• Tightening of measures concerning access for residents in CHSLDs, RI for the elderly and RPA in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Quebec (Department of Health and Social Services)

• Burned-out nurses in Quebec have vacations cancelled amid pandemic's fifth wave (CTV)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

 

January 4, 2022

Last updated at 5 p.m. (ET)

Canada – Federal

• No news on January 4, 2022.

U.S. – Federal

• U.S. FDA authorizes Pfizer's COVID-19 booster for 12- to 15-year-olds. (Reuters)

• U.S. schools delay openings as Omicron rages; New York City hits 33% positivity rate. (Reuters)

• New York City is doubling capacity for its quarantine hotels. (New York Times)

Alberta

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

British Columbia

• B.C. schools enact enhanced safety measures as students with special needs return to classes. (CBC)

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

Ontario

• Ontario government is temporarily moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen with modifications that consider the province’s successful vaccination efforts.

• Provincial status on COVID-19 as of January 3, 2022.

• Ontario moves school online, closes indoor dining and gyms as part of sweeping new COVID-19 measures. (CBC)

• Bearskin Lake First Nation in Ontario calls for military help as COVID-19 infects nearly half the population. (CBC)

• O. Reg. 1/22: Steps of Reopening – In force on January 5, 2022.

• O. Reg. 2/22: Rules for Areas in Step 2 – In force on January 3, 2022, except subsections 2(5) and (16), which come into force on January 17, 2022.

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.

 Quebec 

• Quebec reduces COVID-19 isolation period to five days for people with two doses of vaccine. (CBC)

• Order No. 2022-001: Ordering of measures to protect the health of the population amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation issued on January 2, 2022.

• Case data is not consistently being reported at this time. Publishing will resume as the situation warrants.