Ontario reports new daily COVID-19 records as new measures are implemented in Saskatchewan

Ontario set a record on Thursday with a new daily COVID-19 case as the hospital demanded a one-month blockade.Meanwhile, Saskatchewan, Alberta, had the highest number of deaths due to stricter regulations. Vaccine makers have stated that vials can deliver higher doses than expected.

Priority groups such as healthcare professionals and the elderly launched Canada’s first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this week.

“The amount of excess vaccine left in the vial can vary depending on the technology and supplementary supply of the provider,” Pfizer Canada spokeswoman Christina Antonio said in an email.

“After discontinuing 5 doses, there may be excess vaccine in the vial, and in some cases, sufficient dose may remain for additional doses.”

In the United States, news website Politico reported that additional amounts could increase vaccine supply in the United States by 40%.

Health Canada said in a statement that it was aware that the vials could contain five or more doses of 0.3 milliliters as indicated on the label.

It states that there are precautions against potential losses in amounts that can occur during vaccine storage, preparation, and administration, which can lead to one or two additional doses.

“Health Canada has no objection to healthcare professionals who make one or two additional doses from each vial, if possible,” the agency said.

“However, it is important to note that mixing or pooling volumes from separate vials is not recommended as it can lead to cross-contamination, loss of product sterility, or improper administration.”

Meanwhile, Canada’s most populous state reported 2,432 new infections and 23 deaths.

To protect the healthcare system from a surge in patients, the Ontario Hospital Association has demanded a four-week blockade in all public health units with an infection rate of over 40 per 100,000.

“We are in the holiday season and if public members choose to stay out of the house ignoring public health measures, the consequences risk overwhelming Ontario hospitals,” the association said. It was.

“All healthcare systems have their limits.”

Prime Minister Doug Ford said his progressive conservative government would continue to consult with hospital leaders.

“The situation we are facing now is of great concern,” Ford said. “Currently, everything is at the table and we are constantly receiving advice from medical professionals.”

He said there would be additional help for small business owners affected by expanded health measures.

In Saskatchewan, residents have awakened to new public health orders, including the disappearance of guests at home, with a few exceptions. This is one of several new rules that will be in force until at least January 15th.

There is also a limit of 10 people for outdoor socializing. Starting Saturday, bingo halls and casinos will also need to be closed, and personal care services such as hairdressers will need to be cut in half.

Retailers need to reduce capacity to 50% by Christmas day. Large stores are limited to 25%.

Seven more people died from COVID-19 in the state, with a total death toll of over 100. An additional 238 cases were recorded in Saskatchewan, with 126 hospitalized.

Alberta reported another 30 deaths. This is the highest number of days ever, bringing the total to 790. There were 1,571 new cases, 763 hospitalizations and 138 intensive care units.

Dr. Dina Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer, said the vials would be vaccinated with additional vaccines if possible.

“If you have a very skilled vaccination manager who can pull only the amount you need, some vials may be sufficient to provide six doses of vaccine,” she said.

Quebec Health Department spokesman Robert Malanda reiterated that feeling. “Please be assured that the dose of vaccine will not remain.”

The state was preparing to open 21 more COVID-19 vaccination sites by Monday, in addition to the two opened earlier this week at long-term sanatoriums in Montreal and Quebec City.

The state reported 1,855 new cases and 22 deaths on Thursday. For the first time since June, more than 1,000 people have been infected with the virus.

In Manitoba, there were 221 new cases and 14 additional deaths. The number of daily cases has been declining since the restrictions were imposed on meetings and businesses last month.

A top British Columbia doctor advised people in chronic health to contact their doctor to determine if they should be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said the Pfizer vaccine has been tested primarily in healthy people of all ages, and it is unclear whether it will work, for example, in people with chronic liver disease or kidney disease.

To date, 1,215 healthcare workers have been vaccinated in the state, according to Henry, and it is estimated that approximately 380,000 will be vaccinated by March.

BC has announced 673 new cases of COVID-19 and 21 more deaths.

According to a Statistics Canada report released Thursday, 97% of Canadians surveyed in September reported wearing masks in public when physical distances were difficult.

An analysis that is part of the Canadian Community Health Survey also found that three-quarters would be vaccinated when available. Motivation was highest on Prince Edward Island and lowest on Alberta.

— Use files from Mia Rabson in Ottawa.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 17, 2020.

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press