Big Boost Week kicks off; all DHBs reach 90% fully vaccinated for Pacific Peoples; 204 community cases; 16 in hospital

The province will drop the requirements for vaccine certificates at the beginning of March, with the Premier saying it’s time to move on. But not all businesses agree and some say they will keep the measures until they feel the time is right.

Quebec to end COVID-19 vaccine passport system on March 14 “A doula can offer continuous care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period that can be really helpful for parents who are navigating a system that is often unknown to them,” said Door’s doula Stephanie De Sousa.The MotherWit doula care team argue that a doula is not just another person in the room. They claim the benefits of a second support outweigh the risks.“We help to reduce trauma in births.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday the province is shifting its COVID response to a long-term management strategy.

Ontario government slightly accelerating plans to ease attendance limits at indoor sports events.Initially permitted capacity was going to rise to 50 per cent Feb. 21 and 100 per cent on March 14.

Music fans attend day two of 2015 Stagecoach, California's Country Music Festival, at The Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2015 in Indio, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Stagecoach) INDIO, Calif. - Goldenvoice, the company behind the Coachella and Stagecoach Music festivals on Tuesday announced it will be dropping its masking, vaccination, and COVID-19 testing requirements in accordance with new state guidelines that take effect Wednesday ending the vaccination requirement and mask mandate for outdoor mega-events."As we prepare to spend an incredible weekend in the desert together we are announcing that there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Stagecoach 2022, in accordance with local guidelines," festival officials announced on Twitter.RELATED: Stagecoach country music festival announces 2022 lineupA short time later, Goldenvoice announced the new regulations will also apply to Coachella. "The event shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event and which may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings," according to an announcement on websites for both events Tuesday.California will end its statewide indoor mask mandate on Feb.

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy—already known to protect women from hospitalization and severe complications—can also protect babies younger than 6 months, researchers reported today.

COVID-19 cases continue to decline in the United States, including a substantial drop in children, as mask mandates continue to make news.

Police withdraw from their line and fall back to the front of Parliament buildings on the third day of demonstrations against Covid-19 restrictions, inspired by a similar demonstration in Canada, in Wellington on February 10, 2022 (Photo by MARTY MEL WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's prime minister on Monday said protesters who oppose coronavirus mandates were using "intimidation and harassment," as authorities appeared to take a harsher stance toward the convoy of demonstrators that has disrupted the capital of Wellington for nearly a week.Police initially let the protesters set up tents and camp on the grounds of New Zealand's Parliament before arresting 122 people on Thursday and then backing off again. The size of the protest dropped to a few hundred last week but increased again to around 3,000 over the weekend.Speaking with reporters, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern signaled the thinning patience of authorities."I very clearly have a view on the protesters and the way that they’ve conducted their protest because it has moved beyond sharing a view to intimidation and harassment of the people around central Wellington," she said.

B.C. vaccine card in place.Sources tell Global News bars and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen and events can operate at 100 per cent capacity.Dancing will be allowed at organized gatherings and mingling can resume at restaurants.The change is expected to formally come into place at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday night.More details will be provided at a press conference at 1:30 p.m.

COVID-19 on Tuesday, pushing the province’s death toll to 182.In a release, the province said the deaths include a woman in her 60s and a woman in her 70s in the Central Zone, a woman in her 70s and a woman in her 80s in the Western Zone, and a man in his 80s and a man in his 90s in the Northern Zone.“My heart goes out to the families and friends of the six Nova Scotians who died,” said Premier Tim Houston in a release.“To all Nova Scotians, we know what we have to do to protect ourselves and others. Please do your part and get vaccinated to help prevent another loss.” Nova Scotia reports 7 more COVID-19 deaths, new hospital outbreaks Another seven people have been admitted to hospital since the last update and three people were discharged.

COVID-19 PCR test requirements for fully vaccinated travellers at the end of the month, officials say.“Today I’m announcing we are easing our border measures,” federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Tuesday in Ottawa. “It is time to adjust our approach.”As of Feb.

Speaking to reporters in Hamilton, Ont. on Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was asked about the dilemma faced by business owners once the vaccine mandate becomes optional, potentially alienating some customers regardless of which option they choose.

who is at the center of the latest Olympic doping scandal, appeared to finally get to her Tuesday night. Despite an incredible performance by the standards of just about anyone else, Valieva could hardly hold it together while she awaited her scores.She wound up earning 82.16 points, more than eight off her own world record, but more than enough to top teammates Anna Shcherbakova and Alexandra Trusova as they go for a Russian sweep of the podium.Valieva did not speak afterward, walking through the mix zone of reporters in stoic silence.

COVID-19 vaccine passport system, the province’s health minister announced Tuesday.“We are withdrawing it gradually we learn to live with the virus,” Christian Dubé told reporters in Quebec City.The passport will no longer be used for big-box stores as well as the government-run liquor and cannabis stores starting Wednesday. Proof of vaccination will not be required to access places of worship as of Feb.

BBC in recent days. He has now taken to Twitter with a photograph of his test results to explain where he has been.Huw said he was relieved to have had his jabs completed."Been feeling rough but on the mend now - imagine what it could be like without the 3 jabs for protection," he exclaimed to his followers."Back at work soon.

Doug Ford defended his government’s plan to remove the province’s proof of vaccination requirement in two weeks, saying it’s time to “get on with our lives.”Ford made the remarks in response to a reporter’s question at an unrelated announcement in Hamilton on Tuesday morning.The premier was asked about concerns whether businesses that choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination beyond March 1 could face harassment, and whether those that go along with plans to lift it could lose business because people may feel unsafe. Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place “I think the market’s going to dictate. You know, you can go to Costco, you can go to Walmart, you can go shopping — you don’t know if the person has a shot beside you or not,” Ford said in response.“We also know that it doesn’t matter if you have one shot or 10 shots, you can catch COVID.

COVID-19 vaccine at immunization clinics.Officials made the announcement on Tuesday after the provincial government announced an expansion of third doses to that age group for Friday.Starting Friday, Feb. 18 at 8 a.m., eligible youth can walk in to vaccination clinics and appointments can also still be made online.Those aged 12 to 17 are eligible for a third dose 168 days (about six months) after their second shot.

COVID on Tuesday, with 384 in intensive care units as overall figures continue to trend downwards.This is up 131 hospitalizations but a decrease of 10 in ICUs since the previous day. On Monday, hospitalizations were an undercount due to incomplete reporting from the weekend.

COVID-19 booster shots for residents aged 12-17 starting Friday.The update comes after the Ontario government announced on Monday that eligibility for a third dose would be expanded to that age group. Ontario expanding booster dose eligibility to youth aged 12 to 17 The booster shot can be given 168 days after having received a second dose.“We are looking forward to administering third doses to 12 to 17-year-olds to help protect them from COVID-19 and to keep them in school and doing the activities they enjoy,” said Vickie Murray, lead of the vaccine rollout in Waterloo Region.“We have lots of capacity at our vaccination clinics to administer third doses to youth so they can more safely resume extracurricular activities and do more of the things they enjoy as restrictions ease.” Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place In Waterloo Region, anyone can walk into any of the vaccination clinics for a third dose.

COVID-19 mandates and the pressure to become vaccinated, German, Austrian and Swiss citizens have been making their way to one of the poorest parts of Paraguay to seek refuge in a 4,000-acre gated colony.The colony, known as El Paraíso Verde, or the Green Paradise, advertises itself as a safe haven from “socialist trends or current economic and political situations worldwide,” as well as “5G, chemtrails, fluoridated water, mandatory vaccinations and healthcare mandates.” Wordle may have helped rescue 80-year-old woman from home intruder Founded by couple Dr. Erwin and Sylvia Annau, their Paraguay-registered business promotes itself under tags such as “#nomasks #nomandates #nofearofviruses #no5g #naturalmedicine #organicfood #nochemtrails” on Instagram.A post shared by Reljuv SA (@paraiso_verde_py)First established in 2016, the colony was built “with the dream of a better life and future outside of the ‘matrix’,” according to its website, but it’s now become a place where immigrants can escape all mandatory vaccinations — not just those for COVID-19.

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So far, so many celebrities have received the COVID-19 vaccine to help the pandemic come to an end and keep everyone safe against the deadly virus.

PHILADELPHIA - IAFF Local 22, the union representing Philadelphia firefighters and paramedics, has filed a lawsuit against the city over its new vaccine mandate. Local 22 says the mandate would risk public safety by limiting the number of people on the force.In a statement, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s office says the city is not short on firefighters. The statement also added that the city cannot afford any further delays on implanting the mandate. The city’s deadline requiring all union-represented city employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 was Friday, Feb.

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Novak Djokovic said he would skip the French Open and Wimbledon, foregoing the chance to overtake Rafael Nadal's record haul of 21 Grand Slams titles, rather than get vaccinated against COVID-19.And the No. 1-ranked tennis player is also still smarting about being deported last month from Australia in a drama about his vaccination status that polarized opinion worldwide.Speaking in an interview broadcast Tuesday by the BBC, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said he is still not vaccinated, and prepared to sacrifice titles to stay that way.If need be, not defending his titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and missing other tournaments is "the price that I am willing to pay," said the 34-year-old Serb, comments likely to further boost his hero-status among some opponents of vaccination.Djokovic said he is not opposed to vaccinations and sought to distance himself from anti-vaccination campaigners, saying: "I have never said that I am part of that movement."But he said "everyone has the right to choose, to act, or say what ever they feel is appropriate for them" and that he believes in "the freedom to choose what you put into your body.

Many Brits will be looking to get away on a holiday abroad as coronavirus travel restrictions continue to ease.

Saskatchewan’s proof of vaccination health order or a negative test is no longer in effect when going to events, restaurants, bars, or the gym.

SENKIVKA- UKRAINE: Members of the Ukrainian Border Guard patrol along the Ukrainian border fence at the Three Sisters border crossing between, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus on Feb. 14, 2022, in Senkivka, Ukraine.

Canada won its first ever Olympic gold medal in women’s team pursuit speed skating at the Beijing Winter Games on Tuesday, after a stunning crash by Japan.

NEW DELHI :

A controversial Scottish Government measure aimed at improving ventilation and cutting covid risk in schools will not go ahead in Renfrewshire.

Novak Djokovic has revealed he would rather miss out on tennis greatness than be forced to get the Covid vaccine against his will. The men's tennis No.1 was deported from Australia last month over his vaccination status in a row that made headlines around the world.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board said that a decision will be made on Tuesday (15) on the number of hours that it would impose power outages in the country.Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission also noted that power cuts would be inevitable given the present fuel crisis as well as decreasing water levels at major reservoirs.The Public Utilities Commission to Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will reach a final decision today, on the proposed schedule and methodology for Power Cuts amidst the prevailing power crisis in the country.The PUCSL pointed out that disruptions to the supply of electricity are highly likely in the coming weeks, given the prevailing fuel crisis and the declining water levels at the reservoirs of Hydropower Plants.Speaking to News 1st this morning, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to Sri Lanka (PUCSL), Janaka Ratnayake said the remaining hydropower reserves should be used sparingly to manage the hydropower generation in the coming two months.He said in order to manage the remaining resources, power cuts are required.However, the PUCSL Chairman also emphasized that the schedule for power cuts will be prepared in a manner to minimize the inconveniences faced by the consumers.

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Beijing Winter Olympics on Tuesday, his second medal of the 2022 Games.Parrot won the gold in the slopestyle event last week. So far, it is Canada’s only gold of these Games.The 27-year-old Quebec native fell in his first of three runs, but recovered on his second jump by landing a huge cab 1800 to earn a score of 94 — the second highest overall for that run.He then scored a respectable 76.25 with a 1620 in his third and final run, his top two scores combining to claim second place.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States is relocating its embassy operations in Ukraine from the nation’s capital in Kyiv to the western city of Lviv, officials announced Monday. The move comes amid a "dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces," at the Ukrainian border."We are in the process of temporarily relocating our Embassy operations in Ukraine from our Embassy in Kyiv to Lviv due to the dramatic acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces. The Embassy will remain engaged with the Ukrainian government, coordinating diplomatic engagement in Ukraine.

The Ontario government has announced it will be fast tracking its reopening plans. Restaurant and gym owners react to the lifting capacity limits and vaccine mandates.

Russia's Kamila Valieva attends a training session on February 13, 2022 prior the figure skating event at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games. (ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images) Russian teenager Kamila Valieva has been cleared to compete in the women's figure skating competition at the Winter Olympics despite failing a pre-Games drug test, setting her up for an attempt at a second gold medal.Whatever happens on the ice, Valieva will not get a medal ceremony moment in Beijing.

Saskatchewan government’s proof of vaccination health order, designed to stop the spread of COVID-19, is no longer in effect.That means Saskatchewan residents can attend events, go to restaurants and bar and work out with no limits.Business owners who spoke to Global News said they’re relieved — not because they think it’s the right or wrong thing to do, but because it’s one less thing they’re responsible for. Saskatchewan dropping proof of vaccination requirement  “We’ve been operating throughout the entire pandemic and we’ve gotten pretty used to pivoting our business and changing on the fly,” Cierra Sieban-Shuback said.“So for us, it’s honestly moreso ‘normal’ than anything else.”Sieban-Shuback owns Living Skies Cannabis in Saskatoon.

Corbevax will be the second vaccine after Covaxin which has received EUA for those below 18 years of age. The Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company will be submitting data soon for clinical trials done on children aged below 12 years, the news agency added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that the province would drop the proof of vaccination requirement starting March 1, though masking would remain in place. Capacity limits will also be removed on restaurants, bars and other indoor venues on Feb.

A few days ahead of schedule, Ontario will be moving forward with its reopening plans and within a few weeks, the province is scrapping the vaccine passport program. Caryn Lieberman reports.

The Big Boost Week continues to see tens of thousands of people going out to get their booster dose each day. Yesterday, 47,573 booster doses were administered across the motu – that’s twice as many as Sunday – and brings the total so far to almost two million doses.

On the heels of the Ford government’s announcement of the easing of restrictions, business owners in Ontario expressing a cautious optimism over the changes. Erica Vella reports.

COVID-19 pandemic to be undone.Premier Doug Ford unveiled on Monday that Ontario would be fast-tracking previously announced steps to lift restrictions, including moving the next step of its reopening plan up to Thursday instead of next Monday.Social gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors on Thursday, while capacity limits will be removed in places such as restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theatres. Capacity at businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and retail stores will be set at the number of people who can maintain a distance of two metres.Less than two weeks later, on March 1, capacity limits will be lifted in all remaining indoor public settings, and proof-of-vaccination requirements will end for all settings.

Ontario is ending its vaccine certificate system on March 1, when capacity limits in public settings and restrictions on social gathering sizes will fully lift as well, though masking requirements will remain for now.Premier Doug Ford insisted the steps are not a result of pressure from anti-vaccine mandate protesters.“Today’s announcement is not because of what’s happening in Ottawa or Windsor, but despite it,” he said Monday. Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place “The extraordinary measures that we introduced during this pandemic were always intended as a last resort.

Alberta RCMP say they have detained 11 people after an investigation at the Coutts border crossing led to the seizure of more than dozen long guns, hand guns, ammunition and body armour.

Ontario to end COVID proof of vaccination March 1, mask mandate to remain in place Legault said he still needs approval from public health officials before loosening the requirement to show proof of vaccination.“We want to remove most of the measures, but we have to be careful because of the hospital situation,” he said.