UBC researchers have identified three biological compounds sourced in Canada that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. All three are derived from marine organisms, including a sea sponge native to Howe Sound.
The discovery paves the way for the development of new medicines for COVID-19 variants based on natural sources. BC’s ocean and forest ecosystems may contain a wealth of new antivirals waiting to be discovered.
Continue reading UBC Team: BC Sponge May Provide Covid CureBy Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
British Columbia’s indoor mask mandate and vaccine card will remain in place as the province begins to ease pandemic public health orders on Thursday and transition to a strategy focused on personal risk management.
The Omicron variant, which took hold amid loosened public health measures and drove the province’s fifth wave of COVID-19, is waning enough to look at a less “restrictive” means of pandemic management, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Continue reading BC Outlines Plan to Begin Lifting COVID-19 RestrictionsNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After a recent rash of service disruptions due to wild weather, coastal communities relying on BC Ferries as an essential service are going to face more interruptions to their lifeline in the coming months.
Absenteeism due to the Omicron variant, an ongoing labour shortage, and the impending loss of staff who oppose the company’s vaccination mandate are likely to lead to additional service disruptions, particularly on the smaller inter-island routes, said BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall on Monday.
Continue reading Coast communities riding out ferry service disruptions due to COVID-19 staffing crunchBy Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
British Columbia has plans to expand its inventory and distribution of rapid COVID-19 tests that can be used at home by individuals experiencing symptoms of the virus.
Continue reading Rapid tests distributed to communities across BCNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Colleen McDougall feels like she hasn’t slept since Christmas.
The Quadra Island resident works with a local company responsible for clearing snow from many of the public parking lots in the community.
Thursday she was shovelling pathways for the local bank after another storm hit the Vancouver Island region overnight, dumping at least a foot of snow.
Continue reading Vancouver Island prepares to slip and slide after snow dump
