ns N.S. reports 82 people in COVID-19 hospital units on Saturday There are 11 people in intensive care mtl Quebec reports drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations on Saturday, 68 deaths The number of hospitalizations due to the virus now stands at 3,295 patients, a decrease of 56. ont Ontario reports over 4,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations, 47 more deaths Ontario reported over 4,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations today and 47 more virus-related deaths, including a young person under the age of 19. There are currently 4,026 patients with the virus in Ontario hospitals, down from 4,114 hospitalizations yesterday, according to the Ministry of Health. Of the latest hospitalizations, Health Minister Christine Elliott says 56 per cent were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 and 44 per cent were admitted for other reasons but have tested positive for COVID-19. mong those in hospital, 600 are in intensive care, compared to 558 a week ago, and 378 are breathing with the help of a ventilator. Elliott says 81 per cent of current ICU patients were admitted for the virus and 19 per cent were admitted for other reasons but have tested positive for COVID-19. The 47 virus-related deaths reported today occurred in the past month, raising the death toll to 10,912. One of the deaths was a person under 19 years old, according to the ministry. The exact age or location of that individual is unknown. To date, there have been 10 deaths in the 19 and under age group, 119 deaths in the 20 to 39 age group, 788 deaths who were between 40 and 59, 3,632 who were between 60 and 79 and 6,361 who were 80 and older. The ministry reported that another 9,944 people recovered from the virus today. There are currently 414 active outbreaks at long-term care homes across the province, down by three from a week ago.

omicron Toronto musician Joe Dent contracted the Delta variant in July of 2021, and the Omicron variant in December. His symptoms were mild and he’s received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination Christmas came three weeks late for Rachel Vigliatore’s family. Held on Jan 16, the improvised “xmas redo” was significant: Ms. Vigliatore and her husband had recently emerged from isolation after contracting COVID-19 in December. Joining them were several relatives also newly out of isolation after infection, along with Ms. Vigliatore’s boosted parents and vaccinated daughters, plus nieces and nephews. After rapid testing everyone, the convalesced family sat down to a four-course dinner, followed by panettone for dessert and opening of presents. “This year we threw caution out the window and figured nothing else could happen,” said Ms. Vigliatore, a 41-year-old high school teacher in Pickering, Ont., whose family skipped Christmas in 2020 because of the pandemic. “It felt great being together again and seeing the pure joy in my kids’ faces and my parents.” This winter, growing numbers of vaccinated Canadians coming out the other side after a bout with Omicron are weighing complicated questions on how to live now. After dreading COVID-19 infection for so long, some who recover after lighter symptoms find a quiet, unexpected feeling of relief: the menace feels over, for a time. For others, the immuno-cocktail of vaccination, boosters and recent infection creates an illusion of invincibility. Some of those lucky enough to improve after milder symptoms describe mental respite. After nearly two years of crisis and calculating their risks non-stop, they calm down for a moment. border Canadians now have to be fully vaccinated to cross the U.S. land border A new requirement for all non-Americans entering the United States at a land border to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has come into effect. The policy, first announced in October 2021, began Saturday and applies to land ports of entry at the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders, as well as those entering at ferry terminals. Those wishing to enter the U.S., whether for essential or non-essential reasons, will need to show proof of vaccination. A COVID-19 test is not required. "These updated travel requirements reflect the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to protecting public health while safely facilitating the cross-border trade and travel that is critical to our economy," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. The changes do not apply to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or U.S. nationals. Although testing is not required at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, the U.S. does require that foreign air travellers be fully vaccinated and either provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a document showing they recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Non-U.S. individuals travelling to the country at a land port of entry or ferry terminal must verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status, provide proof of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-approved COVID-19 vaccination, and a document such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card or Enhanced Tribal Card.