OTTAWA Six weeks until school returns, which makes today the deadline to get your first shot in order to be fully vaccinated on the first day of school. And during summer break 2021, students have talked as much about vaccines, as they have vacation. Pop up clinics have been made available this week in Ottawa for kids age 12 to 17, including the Science and Technology Museum. “It’s better that everyone is vaccinated rather than not,” says 16 year old Yahya Kahin who just got vaccinated today. “It feels great. Now it feels like there’s no fear of spreading COVID or catching COVID. Now I can just live my life the way it was before.”
Photo by File Photo In late March, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that 100,000 rapid tests were being deployed to Saskatchewan schools. The plan was that testing could begin right away, but according to Quinton Robertson, the director of education with the Good Spirit School Division, said eventhough they had received the rapid tests, like many school divisions, they are waiting on a plan on how to use the tests safely and effectively. We are awaiting direction from our local medical health officer and from the province around the utilization of these resources, he said. I know they are in the development of selecting individuals that would be administering the assessment and also around the parental permission aspect. We have done nothing, and I am fairly certain that most school divisions are in the same position.
A Year Like No Other
Life in the grip of a pandemic
March 5, Front Page of Belfast Telegraph
March 5, Front Page of Belfast Telegraph
Dr Seamus O Reilly
The first case of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland was diagnosed on February 27.
Just a few days later, journalists were invited to Antrim Area Hospital to view a drive-through coronavirus testing unit.
However, what started out as a simple tour and an opportunity to meet some of the testing staff turned into a stand-out moment in what has become a year like no other.
Dr Seamus O’Reilly, medical director of the Northern Trust, was present at the media briefing and spoke about the state of play as the health service braced itself for the onslaught of SARS-CoV-2.
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Cheif Clinical Officer warning that the health system won t cope with rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations
Dr Colm Henry says if the high cases numbers continue is could result in the health system being overrun.
673 patients are currently being treated in hospital for the virus, with 56 people in ICUs.
Yesterday saw a record 3,394 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Republic, with four further deaths also reported.
Quoted in today s
Sunday Independent, Dr Henry has described the situation as grave and has pleaded with people to adhere now more than ever to public health guidelines.
Intensive Care Physician at University Hospital Limerick, Dr Catherine Motherway, said the surge in admissions is beginning to impact critical care and that the health system will not be able to cope if hospitalisations reach projected levels.