Oasis Discussions

News Bites from CDA Knowledge Networks – 2020/03/18

Coronavirus: Here's what's happening in Canada and around the world on Wednesday. cbc.ca, March 18: PM announces $82B aid package; Canada, U.S. agree to close shared border to non-essential travel. Read more

Trudeau announces $82 billion in aid for Canadians; Canada/U.S. border will be closed to non-essential traffic; Banks will allow mortgage payments deferrals. thestar.com, March 18: The latest novel coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Wednesday. Read more

Canada-U.S. border closing, $82B in direct aid and stimulus coming: Trudeau. ctvnews.ca, March 18: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the Canada- U.S. border will close to all non-essential travel, and that the federal government is prepared to spend a combined $82 billion on direct financial help and economic stimulus. Read more

The latest on the coronavirus: Trudeau unveils $82-billion in aid; Trump confirms border closure. theglobeandmail.com, March 18: Latest headlines. Read more

The latest coronavirus information in your part of Canada. cbc.ca, March 18 [Interactive]: Advisories, cancellations and updates from across the country. Read more

COVID-19 : Ottawa allège le fardeau fiscal des Canadiens. ici.radio-canada.ca, 18 mars : Justin Trudeau confirme que le Canada et les États-Unis vont interdire temporairement tout passage non essentiel à la frontière. Ottawa annonce également un plan d'aide de 27 milliards de dollars destiné aux Canadiens. Lire plus

COVID-19 : tout sur la pandémime. ici.radio-canada.ca, 18 mars : État de la situation. Lire plus

Le Canada et le coronavirus : ce que vous devez savoir aujourd’hui. ici.radio-canada.ca, 18 mars : Le Canada dénombre 598 cas confirmés et probables de coronavirus. En outre, 8 personnes en sont mortes. Lire plus

WestJet warns recent passengers of possible exposure to COVID-19. cbc.ca, March 18: 14 flights between Feb. 28 and March 12 had passengers who tested positive. The Calgary-based company made the announcement on its website and social media Tuesday, listing the flights and affected rows. Read more

Thousands of nurses answer the call for more help in crisis. MetroNews.ca, March 17: Thousands of nurses in Ontario are willing to come out of retirement, pause their education plans or work extra hours to join health care workers on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. See attached

Canadian stocks drop as coronavirus concerns, oil weakness weigh. ca.reuters.com, March 18: Canada’s main stock index fell on Wednesday as concerns over the coronavirus pandemic continued to prompt selling in equities, while weakness in oil prices added to the pressure. Read more

Canadian banks move to help customers, allow deferral of mortgage payments. ctvnews.ca, March 18: The big six banks say they will allow customers to defer mortgage payments for up to six months among other changes. Read more

To combat the coronavirus, we need a unified message from coast to coast. theglobeandmail.com, March 17 [OPINION]: If we want Canadians to act in a socially responsible manner – to embrace social distancing, self-isolation and whatever other measures are to come – they need to trust the message and the messenger. That’s why it’s essential that public-health officials and politicians speak with a unified voice and adopt consistent, coherent policies. Read more

Coronavirus in Canada: These charts show how our fight to 'flatten the curve' is going. macleans.ca, March 16: The greatest single-day increase in confirmed cases prompts stronger measures by political leaders and public-health officials. Read more

How Canada is Responding to COVID-19 - The Agenda with Steve Paikin. tvo.org, March 17: Federal, provincial and municipal public health units are working around the clock in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch 17:52

March 17: Three more provinces declare emergencies over COVID-19. cbc.ca, March 17: Power & Politics speaks to Health Minister Patty Hajdu about the federal response to the virus, Dr. Michael Warner about Ontario's new public health measures, and AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde about how First Nations communities are preparing. Watch 1:43:59

Cliniques médicales en manque de masques. ledevoir.com, 18 mars : Les réserves de masques chirurgicaux s’amenuisent dans plusieurs groupes de médecine familiale (GMF) en raison de la pandémie de la COVID-19. Lire plus more

Quebec moves tax deadline to June as COVID-19 cases rise. cbc.ca, March 17: 'Small business owners, big business, citizens — it's difficult for everyone,' finance minister says. Read more

Ontario battles testing backlog and has its first death with a connection to COVID-19. thestar.com, March 17: Ontario has its first death with a COVID-19 connection as provincial health officials battle a backlog in testing for the new coronavirus and push to significantly increase daily lab capacity. Read more

Food producers worry if supply chain can handle COVID-19 without migrant workers. cbc.ca, March 18: Border restrictions could prevent 50,000 migrant workers from coming into Canada. Read more

Reasons for optimism? How humanity is turning the tide on COVID-19. ctvnews.ca, March 18: As COVID-19 continues its relentless spread around the globe, it may no longer be accurate to say there is no end in sight. In fact, several recent developments suggest that humanity is starting to get a handle on the novel coronavirus and how best to deal with it. Read more

The latest on the coronavirus: Ontario declares state of emergency: ‘Unprecedented times’. theglobeandmail.com, March 17: There are currently 440 confirmed or presumptive cases of coronavirus in Canada; 4 deaths. Read more

L’Ontario décrète l’état d’urgence. tvanouvelles.ca, 17 mars : L’état d’urgence est d’une durée de 14 jours, mais pourrait être prolongé par le gouvernement. La mesure doit d’abord être approuvée par le cabinet dans les prochaines 72 heures. Lire plus

New measures for COVID-19 response. canada.ca, March 17: Message from Transport Canada. Read more

Companies close locations, cut back operations to stem coronavirus outbreak. theglobeandmail.com, March 16: Businesses across the country are scaling back or even shutting down as consumers and their own workers retreat into their homes to blunt the public-health threat posed by the novel coronavirus, as markets took their most dramatic plunge since 1987. Read more

Prepare to see COVID-19 cases rising. cbc.ca, March 17: That doesn't mean social distancing has failed. cbc.ca, March 17: Impacts won't be apparent for at least two weeks and probably longer, experts say. Read more

Health officials explain why not everyone can get swabbed for COVID-19 right now. ctvnews.ca, March 17: Canada's top public health officer says supply limitations are forcing COVID-19 testing centres "to be smart" about who they can assess for the respiratory illness while Health Canada rushes to approve commercial testing kits. Read more

Coronavirus Reckoning: As outbreak hits home, Canadians brace for worse on health, economic fronts. angusreid.org, March 17: Half fear illness will severely harm someone close; 65% worry for personal finances amid chaotic market. Read more

Scientists see no quick end to the coronavirus battle. theglobeandmail.com, March 16: The COVID-19 pandemic in Canada could continue for months, but what happens in the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the character of the outbreak and the toll it takes. Read more

Ottawa can't afford any more mixed messages on COVID-19. cbc.ca, March 17 [ANALYSIS]: This is a once-in-a-century health threat — and the consequences of poor communication could be deadly. Read more

The only way to beat COVID-19 is for Canada to move faster than the virus. theglobeandmail.com, March 16 [EDITORIAL]: Monday was not the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada. But it was at least the end of the beginning. Read more

COVID-19: Canada’s response hits a turning point. theconversation.com, March 17: COVID-19 is an emerging risk for which the consequences are still unknown. That the virus could have potentially catastrophic health and economic consequences means that we must adopt a precautionary approach.. Read more

Ontario First Nations 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' as COVID-19 preparations ramp up. cbc.ca, March 16: Weeneebayko Area Health Authority says it would need an extra $12 million if pandemic lasted 3 months. Read more

Trudeau says financial help is on the way amid COVID-19 pandemic. theglobeandmail.com, March 16: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canadians without access to Employment Insurance will get money to feed their families and pay rent in an emergency economic stimulus package that is expected to be unveiled as early as Tuesday. Read more

Opinion: As Ottawa moves to cushion the economic blow of COVID-19, what shape will the stimulus package take? theglobeandmail.com, March 16: Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau is scheduled to release a fiscal stimulus package Wednesday to address the global COVID-19 outbreak as well as the large decline in oil prices. Read more

Not okay, boomer: Tensions mount between generations as some seniors resist social distancing. theglobeandmail.com., March 16: ... The older set, predominantly baby boomers, who are healthier and more active than their parents were at the same age, can take offence to what they see as infantilization from their children; but members of generations X, Y and Z worry that mantras such as “70 is the new 50” have given their parents a false sense of security. Read more

What’s cancelled amid the novel coronavirus pandemic? globalnews.ca, March 16: Here’s a full list. Read more

Tips for managing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. theglobeandmail.com, March 16: At a time when supermarket shelves are looking bare and authorities are shutting down schools and borders, Canadians may find it challenging to remain calm. What can you do to manage your anxiety and maintain your mental health during a pandemic? Read more

The latest on the coronavirus: Airlines call for emergency funding; New screening questions for travellers arriving at Canadian border. theglobeandmail.com, March 16: Over the weekend, the number of confirmed cases in Canada climbed to 341. Toronto Mayor John Tory has launched a task force to aid the local economy. In an open letter, 30 of Canada’s largest companies are urging other top executives to take immediate steps to escalate the fight in the workplace against the novel coronavirus. Read more

Call out to retired doctors: you're needed if COVID-19 keeps spreading in Canada. nationalpost.com, March 14: British Columbia’s call for recently retired doctors to return to work if the COVID-19 pandemic worsens is spurring other provinces to make similar emergency preparations, says the registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Read more

Calgary declares state of emergency after COVID-19 cases double in two days. nationalpost.com, March 16: The city declared a state of local emergency Sunday as the number of COVID-19 infections in Alberta jumped significantly over the weekend. Read more

'The time is now to act': COVID-19 spreading in Canada with no known link to travel, previous cases. cbc.ca, March 16: At least 3 provinces reporting community transmission in Canada as experts urge immediate action. Read more

Canada must do everything that can be done to stop the coronavirus. Time is running out. theglobeandmail.com, March 15 [EDITORIAL]: And after doing remarkably little to compel social distancing, Canada’s governments – federal, provincial and municipal – sprang into action last Thursday and Friday. So did large parts of the private sector. Read more

'Worrying' rise in blood donation cancellations: Canadian Blood Services. ctvnews.ca, March 16: Canadian Blood Services says there has been a “worrying” spike in cancellations of appointments to donate blood amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, the non-profit charity which is responsible for the national blood system outside of Quebec, made a public plea to donors asking them to book and keep appointments. Read more

Coronavirus: The major breakdown at Canadian airports. macleans.ca, March 15: Stephen Maher: Despite government policy, passengers landing over the weekend were not being adequately warned about the virus and the need to self isolate. Read more

This coronavirus chart shows what Canada is up against in trying to 'flatten the curve'. macleans.ca, March 14: Inexplicably, the federal government is not publishing national infection numbers in a way that allows us to see the much-discussed curve. Read more

Canada, here’s how we are going to survive this pandemic together. theglobeandmail.com, March 15: In these pandemic times, where each new headline is more frightening than the last, when life as we know it seems to be crumbling beneath our feet, when anxiety levels seem to be reaching Xanax-proof levels, we need a lot more Mr. Rogers. It’s okay to be scared, or unsure in uncertain times. Look to the helpers. Read more

Coronavirus pandemic is a test for us, Canada. Will we rise to the challenge?. thestar.com, March 15 [OPINION]: “This is new,” says Dr. Michael Silverman, the chair of infectious diseases at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and a part of the SARS response in 2003. “We have never initiated this type of social distancing on a population basis across the country for anything. So whether it’s going to work is going to depend on two things: one is whether we’re aggressive enough, and two, is how well the population listens. Read more

Stock markets plunge at start of trading; City launches effort to help Toronto businesses; Ontario expands Telehealth. thestar.com, March 16” City launches effort to help Toronto businesses; Ontario expands. Telehealth; Trudeau to address nation about COVID-19 pandemic. Closures of live entertainment theatres, tourist sites, daycares and other spaces where crowds gather, in line with provincial health directives, are expected to grow to include more businesses as local “social distancing” efforts to fight the deadly global pandemic ramp up. Read more

Majority of Canadians worried about a coronavirus outbreak in their cities, poll finds. nationalpost.com, March 15: According to the poll, 59 per cent of Canadians were worried that someone in their family would get sick from the coronavirus. Read more

Doug Ford says Ontario will ease sick-leave requirements in face of COVID-19 outbreak. thestar.com, March 15: The Ontario government says it’s introducing new protections this week for workers who are required to take unpaid leave during self-isolation or quarantine periods — including removing a requirement to obtain doctors’ notes. Read more

Ontario rolls out $10M ad campaign to boost public awareness of COVID-19. thestar.com, March 14: The province remains the epicentre of the new coronavirus outbreak in Canada. Rather than focusing solely on infection prevention measures, like previous ads that have been running since January, the latest messages will focus on broader topics meant to promote advice from public health officials. Read more

Ontario insurance to cover some forms of virtual medical care to reduce virus spread. theglobeandmail.com, March 15: The Ontario government has agreed to have health insurance cover some forms of virtual medical care, in a bid to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus by preventing unnecessary visits to doctors’ offices. The shift came into effect Saturday and is being praised by doctors, who say it could help reduce the chance of infection. Read more

This isolated First Nation has no full-time doctors. H1N1 hit hard — now it’s bracing for coronavirus. thestar.com, March 13: There are no full-time physicians in the isolated northern Saskatchewan community of Waterhen Lake First Nation. The community depends on a doctor who visits about twice a month. Sometimes, residents can fulfill an additional appointment via video conference, in what is known as “Doc in a box.” Read more

Coronavirus: Here's what's happening in Canada and around the world. cbc.ca, March 13: Justin Trudeau in self-isolation as wife tests positive for COVID-19; Ontario schools to close. Read more

Canada will go into a recession this year, Royal Bank predicts. cbc.ca, March 13: Royal Bank is predicting Canada will fall into a recession later this year as the economy is weighed down by the impact of COVID-19 and the plunge in oil prices. Read more

Canada teeters on the brink of recession. conferenceboard.ca, March 17: The Conference Board of Canada releases today its Canadian Outlook Executive Summary – Spring 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2019, Canadian economic growth was already on precarious footing. The added shock of COVID-19, the rail blockades and a collapse in oil prices is putting the country on the brink of recession. Read more

Trudeau says government will warn against international travel and tighten border to stop spread of COVID-19. cbc.ca, March 13: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is considering closing the border to some international travellers. … Trudeau will address the nation today from self-isolation as the number of Canadians who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus continues to grow — including his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. Read more

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Canada's response to COVID-19 outbreak, wife's diagnosis. cbc.ca March 13: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Canada's response to COVID-19 outbreak, wife's diagnosis. Listen 6:53

Doctors say coronavirus test criteria is inconsistent, could lead to dangerous gaps. theglobeandmail.com, March 12: Despite assurances from public health officials that coronavirus tests are widely available, some front-line physicians say they’re having trouble getting patients tested, creating potentially dangerous gaps that could leave Canada vulnerable to outbreaks. Read more

House of Commons shutting down to limit spread of COVID-19. ctvnews.ca, March 13: The House of Commons has agreed to suspend its sitting until April 20, shutting down parliamentary business in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic on Parliament Hill. Read more

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). canada.ca: COVID-19 updates, travel advice, being prepared, symptoms and treatment, prevention and risks, Canada's response and more. Read more

Coronavirus live updates: House of Commons agrees to suspend sitting due to COVID-19 pandemic. thestar.com, March 13: The latest novel coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Friday. Read more

Canadian research team isolates novel coronavirus behind COVID-19. globalnews.ca, March 13: Isolating the virus … can help scientists in Canada and around the world to “develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and vaccines,” and also understand it a bit better in terms of its biology and evolution, according to Sunnybrook. Read more

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing could also reduce spread in Canada: epidemiologist. ctvnews.ca, March 13: Drive-thru clinics testing people for COVID-19 in South Korea could serve as a model for Canada, where the spread of the virus is comparatively limited but increasing to the point that such early interventions could be considered, an epidemiologist says. Read more?

Canadians urged to stay home to help stall spread of coronavirus. theglobeandmail.com, March 12: Dozens of cancellations and postponements were announced as organizers of awards shows, conferences and political campaigns concluded that large gatherings can no longer safely go ahead. Read more

These masks have sparked a rallying cry. Is Canada ‘failing to protect health-care workers’? thestar.com, March 13: Nurses across the country fear it may not be giving them enough protection from COVID-19. Compounding their concern is an opinion from legal experts, who say it’s health-care employers, such as individual hospitals and long-term care centres, that could eventually be held liable for workers getting sick on the job. Read more

Ontario doctors struggle to keep up amid ‘unnecessary’ requests for coronavirus clearance notes. globalnews.ca, March 12: As Canada continues to see a rise in COVID-19 cases, Ontario family doctors are struggling to juggle requests from employers for coronavirus-related clearance letters in addition to treating patients affected by unrelated ailments. Read more

Ottawa preparing isolation tents for COVID-19 outbreak in Indigenous communities. cbc.ca, March 12: Isolation tents, field hospitals part of possible response to COVID-19 outbreak in remote communities Read more

N.W.T. government and YK1 move to limit work-related travel. cbc.ca, March 12: Public health appointments and programming postponed or suspended, according to health authority. Read more

John Ivison: A great awakening as Canadians suddenly realize the world has changed. nationalpost.com, March 12: Like the coronavirus pandemic itself, the sense of urgency and alarm has been contagious. That may be the best weapon we have. Read more

Fear grips investors as North American stock markets plunge, loonie down. thestar.com, March 12: The S&P/TSX composite index was down 1,358.67 points or nearly 10 per cent at 12,911.42. Read more

Indigenous leaders raise concerns about potential impact of coronavirus on rural communities. theglobeandmail.com, March 11: Indigenous leaders are raising concerns about the potential impact of the coronavirus on their remote and rural communities, but say they don’t want the outbreak to push other issues off of the agenda for their meeting with provincial and federal leaders. Read more

Blaine Higgs not attending first ministers meeting in Ottawa after N.B. reports first coronavirus case. theglobeandmail.com, March 12: ... On Wednesday, Higgs said the Ottawa meeting should be held via teleconference, noting there is a travel ban for New Brunswick government employees as a result of the pandemic. Read more

How are insurers working with plan sponsors amid coronavirus pandemic? benefitscanada.ca, March 12: The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association has been conducting weekly calls with its members since mid-January to discuss issues around the ongoing coronavirus crisis, including how insurers can develop messaging and policies to communicate to plan sponsors. Read more

Shut it down: It’s time for Canada to get serious about social distancing. theglobeandmail.com, March 11 [Opinion]: This may seem extreme for a country that has only about 100 confirmed cases to date, but we can no longer stop this pandemic illness, just slow it down. Read more

Could Canada be 'flattening the curve' of coronavirus cases? macleans.ca, March 11: A relatively slow rate of spreading, and a capacity for more testing suggest Canada may be on the right track to avoid a U.S.-like surge. Read more

Cancel some events, but COVID-19 shouldn't force moratorium on all public gatherings, experts say. cbc.ca, March 11: The cancellation of large events or closing schools to try and contain the coronavirus need to strike a balance between prudence and panic, experts say. Read more

First case of coronavirus confirmed in Ottawa. ottawa.ctvnews.ca, March 11: The city's first case of the virus is a man in his 40s who travelled to Austria, according to the latest update from Ontario health officials. Read more

Premier cas de coronavirus à Ottawa. ici.radio-canada.ca, 11 mars : Le patient est un homme de 41 ans qui a voyagé en Autriche, un pays qui compte en ce moment 182 cas de la COVID-19. Lire plus

‘Social distancing’ could go a long way toward slowing down COVID-19, researchers say. thestar.com, March 11: Ontarians might balk at school closures, cancelled sports events, and work-from-home orders at this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. But University of Toronto-led research suggests that major “social distancing” measures may be necessary to stop the infectious disease from swamping the province’s health care system with critically ill patients — a disaster rapidly unfolding in northern Italy. Read more

Contract dispute could take public health workers off the job during COVID-19 battle. thestar.com, March 11: They include nurses who take swabs for coronavirus tests and other skilled professionals who are now busy trying to contain the pandemic. Read more

More companies asking employees to work from home to slow spread of coronavirus. theglobeandmail.com, March 11: Technology companies, many of which already provide workers remote access, have fewer barriers to making the switch, while other office-based businesses are also putting together contingency plans and ramping up technological capabilities. Read more

COVID-19 in Canada: What will happen next? macleans.ca, March 11 [OPINION]: Timothy Sly: We have to face the possibility that once coronavirus has spread within the community, the rate and scope of that spread is uncontrollable. Read more

Canadian officials reviewing border policy as COVID-19 spreads across the U.S. thestar.com, March 11: Canadian officials are reviewing the country’s land border policies as COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, the union representing border guards says. Read more

Pas de déplacements à l'étranger pour la fonction publique, ordonne Québec. ici.radio-canada.ca, 11 mars : Ainsi, le gouvernement de François Legault n'autorise plus les employés de la fonction publique à faire des voyages à l'étranger pour leur travail. Lire plus

Child at Calgary daycare tests positive for COVID-19, Canada’s first case affecting a minor. theglobeandmail.com, March 12: While children are known to transmit the virus, their risk of serious illness or death is low. Read more

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19. news.ontario.ca, March 12: Extensive Planning to Prepare Province for All Scenarios. Read more

We have ‘a plan for every scenario’ Ford says, as Ontario sets aside $100 million to fight COVID-19. thestar.com, March 11: The money will go toward medical supplies, protective gear, testing kits, hiring of staff and other measures deemed necessary, Health Minister Christine Elliott said as she revealed a strategy to designate some hospitals COVID-19 centres if necessary. Read more

Québec se prépare au «pire scénario». lapresse.ca, 12 mars : Québec se prépare à affronter « le pire scénario » pour combattre la vague de COVID-19, que l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) a qualifiée mercredi de pandémie. Lire plus

Statement on a case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a passenger from the Grand Princess. canada.ca, March 11: The Public Health Agency of Canada today announced a positive case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a Canadian who was repatriated to Canada from the Grand Princess cruise ship. Read more

Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019). who.int, March 17:  Situation report - 57. Read more

New coronavirus stable for hours on surfaces. nih.gov, March 17: The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study. Read more

Coronavirus updates: Washington state reports 1,000 cases as U.S. death toll tops 100. axios.com, March 18: Countries around the world are stepping up to combat COVID-19, as the virus has infected more than 200,000 people globally in 157 countries or regions. More than 8,200 people have now died from the virus. Read more

Hundreds of Scientists Scramble to Find a Coronavirus Treatment. nytimes.com, March 17: In an ambitious international collaboration, researchers have “mapped” proteins in the coronavirus and identified 50 drugs to test against it. Read more

Surgeon general: 15 days of social distancing ‘likely not going to be enough’ to halt coronavirus. politico.com, March 18: The pandemic’s effects on American life could extend much longer than initially thought. Read more

Stunned world grapples with 'once-in-100-year' coronavirus battle. ca.reuters.com, March 18: Hundreds of millions of people worldwide were adjusting on Wednesday to once-in-a-generation measures to battle the coronavirus crisis that is not only killing the old and vulnerable but also threatening prolonged economic misery. Read more

Coronavirus: US funerals move to live-streaming. bbc.com, March 17: As the coronavirus crisis escalates the US’s health protection agency has urged mourners to change drastically the way they say goodbye to loved ones - by live-streaming their funerals. Read more

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 16 March 2020. who.int, March 16: In the past week, we have seen a rapid escalation of cases of COVID-19. More cases and deaths have now been reported in the rest of the world than in China. We have also seen a rapid escalation in social distancing measures, like closing schools and cancelling sporting events and other gatherings. But we have not seen an urgent enough escalation in testing, isolation and contact tracing – which is the backbone of the response. Read more

Coronavirus (COVID-19). cdc.gov. COVID-19 Cases in the U.S. and Latest Updates. Read more

U.S. sees largest one-day increase in coronavirus death toll since the outbreak began; San Francisco area asked to shelter at home. washingtonpost.com, March 16: Health departments in the United States on Monday reported the largest number of coronavirus-related deaths on any one day since the onset of the outbreak. As of Monday evening, officials had reported 18 people dead, bringing the nationwide total to 85, according to a Washington Post tally. Read more

As pandemic spreads, China's ex-epicenter down to 1 new case. ctvnews.ca, March 16: China on Tuesday reported 21 new cases of the virus, 20 of them imported. China this week relaxed travel restrictions in Hubei, sending thousands of workers back to long-shuttered factories. Read more

FDA giving states authority to approve own coronavirus tests, official says. reuters.com, March 16: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday took a step toward speeding the development of coronavirus test kits, agreeing a regulatory change to give states the ability to approve tests developed in laboratories in the states, an administration official said. The regulatory relief came as President Donald Trump attempts to accelerate the availability of testing for the pandemic as the virus spreads deeper into the United States. Read more

COVID-19 vaccine test begins as volunteer patient administered 1st shot. cbc.ca, March 16: U.S. researchers gave the first shot to the first person in a test of an experimental coronavirus vaccine Monday — leading off a worldwide hunt for protection even as the pandemic surges. Read more

Latest coronavirus testing glitch: Not enough cotton swabs. politico.com, March 16: A potential shortage of cotton swabs and other basic supplies needed for coronavirus testing is emerging as a new threat to the Trump administration’s plans to roll out high-volume testing to 2,000 sites across the country by the end of the week. Read more

Will warmer weather help stop coronavirus? Surge in Southeast Asia raises doubts. cbc.ca, March 16: A dramatic surge in coronavirus infections in Southeast Asia in recent days has increased doubts over a theory that warmer weather could stem the spread of the virus, health experts say. Read more

How to flatten the curve of coronavirus, a mathematician explains. theconversation.com, March 16: This general concept of slowing the virus’s spread has been termed “flattening the curve” by epidemiologists – experts who study how often diseases occur in different populations, and why. The term has become widespread on social media as the public is encouraged to practise “social distancing”. But how does social distancing help to flatten the curve? We can explain by referring to what mathematicians call “exponential growth”. Read more

COVID-19 vaccine research takes on new urgency. cbc.ca, March 14: Multiple vaccine efforts taking place in Canada and around the world. Read more

More than 100 million Europeans in lockdown as Spain announces emergency quarantine and Italian virus cases surge. theglobeandmail.com, March 15: Spain joined Italy in national lockdown, raising the total of Europeans in quarantine to more than 100 million, with several other countries preparing similar isolation measures to try to slow the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus from its northern Italian epicentre. Read more

This, Not Hand Sanitizer, Will Save Us From The Covid-19 Coronavirus. futurism.com, March 10: This might seem obvious, but it turns out there’s a truly fascinating bit of science involved in the way viruses cling to our skin. Once you learn just how weaponized you are with water and a little bit of soap, there’s no turning back. Read more

EU moves to limit exports of medical equipment outside the bloc. politici.eu, March 15: Brussels on Sunday imposed an EU-wide export ban for some medical protective equipment in a bid to keep sufficient supplies within the bloc. The Commission will also launch joint public procurement with member countries for testing kits and respiratory ventilators and present guidelines to national governments on border measures. The Commission is already in the process of jointly procuring face masks for 20 countries. Read more

The new threat of unintentional coronavirus misinformation. axios.com, March 13: Tech platforms have gotten smarter about handling deliberate disinformation from bad actors, but the coronavirus' spread presents a different kind of misinformation threat: False information spread by people who are well-intentioned, but fearful and naive. Read more

Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019). who.int: Situation Report -- 52. Read more

Coronavirus updates: FDA takes steps to speed up testing, stocks rebound, more schools close. usatoday.com, March 13: Anthony Fauci, a key player in the effort to combat the coronavirus, says the frustrating delay in testing for the disease is getting untangled and that he foresees a "major escalation" in a week or two in widespread access to them. Read more

America faces a new normal as coronavirus outbreaks show no sign of slowing down. cnn.com, March 12: For many Americans, the past 48 hours have felt like uncharted territory. Travel restrictions into the US are going into effect today. Leaders across the country are banning public gatherings, dozens of school districts and universities hit the pause button on classes, sports leagues suspended their seasons and major entertainment venues -- including Broadway and Disney World -- announced a halt in activities. Read more

America is shutting itself down. cnn.com, March 13: There are big panics like the selloff on Wall Street. There are little panics, like stores being cleaned out of toilet paper. But everywhere, there seems to suddenly be panic. Read more

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 - 11 March 2020. who.int, March 11: The idea that countries should shift from containment to mitigation is wrong and dangerous. On the contrary, we have to double down. This is a controllable pandemic. Read more

WHO declares coronavirus pandemic. theguardian.com, March 11: Director general says his organisation is ‘deeply concerned … by alarming levels of inaction’. Read more

Ce que vous devez savoir sur l'évolution du coronavirus aujourd'hui. ici.radio-canada.ca, 11 mars: Le coronavirus est désormais une pandémie mondiale, a annoncé mercredi le directeur général de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS). Lire plus

Chinese medical official says coronavirus pandemic ‘could be over by June’ if all countries mobilize. theglobeandmail.com, March 12: The global coronavirus pandemic could be over by June if countries mobilize to fight it, Beijing’s senior medical officer said on Thursday, as China declared the peak had passed there and new cases in Hubei fell to single digits for the first time. Read more

China says coronavirus peak has passed as epicenter logs only eight new cases. ottawacitizen.com, Mach 12: Hubei province, where the coronavirus emerged, announced a further loosening of travel restrictions and will allow some industries to resume production in two of its cities and two counties. Read more

Coronavirus latest news: Trump bans travel to U.S. from Europe after WHO declares a pandemic. macleans.ca, March 11: The 30-day suspension of travel goes into effect at the end of this week, while the NBA has shut down its season. Coronavirus now in 114 countries, causing nearly 4,300 deaths. Read more

'It’s going to get worse': Health officials warn of coronavirus escalation. politico.com, March 11: The nation’s top health officials cautioned Wednesday that the U.S. will see more coronavirus cases as the domestic outbreak spreads, a stark warning that comes as Congress looks to head off the outbreak's economic impact and global health organizations declare it a full-blown pandemic. Read more

Exclusive: U.S. coronavirus testing threatened by shortage of critical lab materials. politico.com, March 10: The slow pace of coronavirus testing has created a major gap in the U.S. public health response. Read more

Ireland shuts schools, cultural institutions in escalating virus response. ctvnews.ca, March 12: Prime Minister Leo Varadkar … said the closure applies to schools, colleges, childcare facilities and cultural institutions. All indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor events with more than 500 are also cancelled. Read more

Spike in cases in Gulf pushes Mideast past 10,000 infections. ctvnews.ca, March 12: A spike in cases in the Gulf Arab states helped push infections in the Middle East for the new coronavirus past 10,000 cases on Thursday, with most infected people either in Iran or having recently travelled there. Read more

Princess Cruises suspends operations for two months over coronavirus concerns. theglobeandmail.com, March 12: Princess Cruises, the operator of two coronavirus-stricken ships, said on Thursday it would suspend global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months, sending shares of its parent company Carnival Corp down 22% in premarket trading. Read more

Dental association wants $50 million investment in kids dental program. toronto.com, March 12 [OPINION]: Ontario's dental care programs are 'terribly underfunded', writes Allan Katchky. Read more

Enacting change: Dentistry, dental hygiene students push green plans. news.umanitoba.ca, March 11: They’re focused on what is being thrown away in the clinic, pre-clinic and in the college as a whole. A lot of paper, plastics and gloves are thrown out in the clinic, which sees about 130 patients each day. Read more

Olds dentist one of 13 Canadians back home after being detained in Ethiopia. stalberttoday.ca, March 13: An Old dentist is among 13 Canadians back in Canada after being detained in Ethiopia on allegations that they were practising medicine without permission and had dispensed expired medication. Canadian Humanitarian confirmed yesterday that its three Canadian employees and 10 volunteers from the recent Ethiopian expedition have returned to Canada. Read more

Is There Still a Good Case for Water Fluoridation? It’s a 75-year-old technology. Maybe we should rethink it. theatlantic.com, (This article appears in the April 2020 print edition with the headline “Something in the Water.”): I blame my dentists. Not for poor dental care—Barbara and Gordon do great work. I blame them for sending me into a vortex of dento-epistemological anxiety. Read more

Association launches new ADA Science & Research Institute. ada.org, March 12: Institute will focus on ‘improving lives through oral health, science and research’. Association launches new ADA Science & Research Institute. Read more

FDI World Dental Federation: Global Survey Shows That Less Than Half (38%) of Parents Limit Their Children´s Sugary Food and Drink Intake to Ensure Good Oral Health. prnewswire.com, March 16: Less than half of parents proactively limit the intake of sugary food and drinks such as candy, soda drinks and juice to their children as a means of protecting their teeth, according to a YouGov survey of 10 developed and developing countries commissioned by FDI World Dental Federation (FDI). Read more

Teledentistry is here to stay—dental associations change gear to regulate. dental-tribune.com, March 16: A growing number of consumers are opting for remote orthodontic treatment, and it is likely that such services will continue to be available to them. Read more

Advanced Orthodontics Introduces Virtual Appointments. dailyrecordnews.com, March 12: Advanced Orthodontics announces the addition of remote patient treatment monitoring in its three Seattle-area practice locations. Read more

Smile Direct Club Unveils Updates to Customer Experience. stockwatch.com, March 12: The Company conducted a thorough review of its customer experience with the single mission to uphold the company’s commitment to safe, affordable access to care. As a result, the following improvements have been made Read more

Doctors fight push to remove fluoride. smh.com.au, March 16: The Australian Medical Association will pressure anti-fluoride councils ahead of Queensland and NSW local government elections, and have warned a mid-NSW council against a proposed move to remove fluoride from the water supply. Read more

New Australian Fluoride Guidelines released. miragenews.com, March 12: For the first time, a recommendation on the use silver diamine fluoride is included and the use of fluoride foam is not recommended due to a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness, a change from both the 2006 and 2012 guidelines. Read more

FDA suspends most inspections of foreign drug, device and food manufacturers. washingtonpost.com, March 10. The agency said routine inspections will be halted through April in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more

Bill mandating education on vaping passes Georgia Senate. ajc.com, March 12: A bill tackling teenage e-cigarette use passed the state Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 375 would require e-cigarette education to be added to mandatory drug and alcohol education in schools, and it would ban vaping in school zones. Read more

Ouch: Patients prescribed opioids after tooth extraction report worse pain. news.umich.edu, March 13: The use of opioids to soothe the pain of a pulled tooth could be drastically reduced or eliminated altogether from dentistry, say University of Michigan researchers. Read more

Vaping changes oral microbiome and raises infection risk. medicalnewstoday.com, March 14: Researchers from New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry are the first to show that the use of e-cigarettes may allow infection-causing bacteria to flourish in the mouth. Read more

Smoking or Vaping May Increase the Risk of a Severe Coronavirus Infection. scientificamerican.com, March 17: Though few studies have investigated the connection specifically, cigarette smoke and vaping aerosol are linked to lung inflammation and lowered immune function. Read more

Jaw Disorders Are Common, But Care Is Fragmented and Evidence-Based Approaches Are Needed, Says New Report. nationalacademies.org, March 12 [OPINION]: Although less invasive and more evidence-based approaches are available for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) – a set of 30 disorders that cause pain or malfunction in the jaw joint and muscles of the jaw – some dentists continue to rely on aggressive or costly procedures as a first-line treatment, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Read more

COVID-19: The perils of a ‘just enough, just in time’ food system. theconversation.com, March 17 [OPINION]: Thanks to COVID-19, governments in most industrialized nations are preparing for shortages of life’s necessities. If they fail, riots over food may be inevitable. Some wonder if we are responding appropriately to COVID-19, and it’s clear that recent events expose a fundamental flaw in the global systems that bring us our daily bread. Read more

Poll finds health care top issue in most provinces - and most governments don't get a passing grade. cbc.ca, March 12: New poll shows how each provincial government stacks up on the issues. Read more

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with some medical devices with Bluetooth Low Energy chips. healthycanadians.gc.ca, March 11: Because of these vulnerabilities, some medical devices that use BLE chips could be at risk of a cyber attack. Affected medical devices may include pacemakers, blood glucose monitors, ultrasound systems and insulin pumps. Read more

Ottawa set to declare plastics as toxic substance. theglobeandmail.com, March 11: The federal government intends to designate plastics as toxic substances, a move industry stakeholders say is unduly aggressive and detrimental to the sector’s brand. Read more

Liberals to unveil federal budget, economic package worth $1 billion in response to COVID-19. theglobeandmail.com, March 11: The government announced the budget date on the same day it unveiled several short-term measures to address the health and economic consequences of the coronavirus. Read more

Alberta government backs down on forced changes to the way doctors bill province. cbc.ca, March 17: The Alberta government has cancelled controversial changes to the way doctors bill the province that it imposed unilaterally in February. Read more

Cigarette packs and ads to include graphic warnings starting next year, FDA says. cnn.com, March 17: The US Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule Tuesday that requires tobacco companies to place new graphic health warnings on cigarette packages and in advertisements. Read more

Dalhousie University – Current course offerings

McGill University – Continuing dental education

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry University – Continuing professional development

Université Laval – Formation continue

University of Manitoba – Continuing professional development

Université de Montréal – Formation dentaire continue

University of Alberta – Program and courses

University of British Columbia – Calendar of courses

University of Saskatchewan – Continuing professional dental education

University of Toronto – Continuing dental education

 

Please let us know about upcoming continuing education meetings that could be of interest to Canadian dentists by emailing us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc.ca

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