Title: LifeLabs closures: 16 locations impacted by staff shortages | CTV News

URL: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/11-lifelabs-locations-temporarily-closed-in-b-c-due-to-severe-employee-impacts-1.5737499

Description: Nearly a dozen LifeLabs locations in B.C. are temporarily closed as the spread of COVID-19 is impacting staffing.

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Subject:   LifeLabs,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Smith, Stephanie,  Low, Rhonda,  Ventilation,  Henry, Bonnie,  British Columbia General Employees' Union

Title: B.C. school closures: 3 due to COVID-19 in 1 week | CTV News

URL: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/3-functional-closures-of-b-c-schools-since-students-returned-to-in-person-learning-1.5742376

Description: It’s been one week since students returned to the classroom for in-person learning since the extended three-week winter break, and already, there have been three schools forced to briefly shut down.

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Subject:   Armstrong Elementary School,  School District 83 North Okanagan-Shuswap,  Gomme, Graham,  Mooring, Teri,  North Okanagan-Shuswap Teachers Association,  Heighton, Jennifer,  Safe Schools Coalition BC,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vitacore Industries Inc.,  Moore, Mikhail,  Hazelton Secondary School,  Coast Mountains School District,  Bibleway Christian Academy,  Ventilation,  British Columbia Teachers' Federation

Title: COVID-19 in B.C.: Thousands of booster invites left unanswered | CTV News

URL: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/almost-half-a-million-b-c-booster-appointment-invitations-ignored-as-covid-19-hospitalizations-rise-1.5729989

Description: The B.C. Ministry of Health says almost half a million invitations to book COVID-19 booster appointments have gone unanswered as the province sees hospitalizations rise.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Fraser Health,  Island Health,  Nanaimo Regional General Hospital,  Thomson, Danette,  BC Nurses' Union,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Conway, Brian,  Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre,  Forrest, David

Title: EG.5 in B.C.: Wastewater data showing increased transmission | CTV News

URL: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-wastewater-showing-increases-in-covid-19-concentrations-as-new-variant-spreads-1.6514498

Description: For the first time in months, weekly wastewater data released by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control shows increasing concentrations of COVID-19 at most monitored treatment plants around the province.

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Subject:   BC Centre for Disease Control,  Wastewater Surveillance,  Variants of Concern,  World Health Organization,  Bogoch, Isaac,  Omicron Variant ,  Eris Variant

Title: 12 cases of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 variant found in B.C. | CTV News

URL: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/it-is-a-concern-12-cases-of-xbb-1-5-covid-19-variant-found-in-b-c-1.6217823

Description: The number of lab-confirmed cases of the new "Kraken" COVID-19 variant has more than doubled over the last week in British Columbia, according to the provincial health officer.

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Subject:   Henry, Bonnie,  Variants of Concern,  Omicron Variant ,  World Health Organization,  "Kraken" Variant,  Vaccinations,  Influenza,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Title: Vaccine mandates may exacerbate school staff shortages, cautions BCSTA president | CTV News

URL: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/vaccine-mandates-may-exacerbate-school-staff-shortages-cautions-bcsta-president-1.5743404

Description: Two school boards in British Columbia decided to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff this week, three months after the release of a road map guiding districts through the procedure.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Delta School District,  School District 19 Revelstoke,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Armstrong Elementary School,  School District 83 North Okanagan-Shuswap,  École Heritage Park Middle School,  Mission Public Schools,  Hazelton Secondary School,  Coast Mountains School District,  Bibleway Christian Academy,  BC School Trustees Association,  Higginson, Stephanie

Title: BC’s city-by-city COVID death toll revealed | Fraser Valley Current

URL: https://fvcurrent.com/article/bc-city-covid-death-numbers/

Description: Data obtained by The Current gives first look at breakdown of deaths for each British Columbia city.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Delta Variant,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Vital Statistics

Title: COVID-19: B.C. changes rules around masks, capacity limits at religious services | Globalnews.ca

URL: https://globalnews.ca/news/8415155/bc-covid-19-masks-faith-services/

Description: British Columbia’s top doctor says everyone attending a faith service in the province must wear a mask to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The province had previously made worshipers exempt from the mask mandate, which requires people to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces.

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Subject:   Henry, Bonnie,  BC Vaccine Card,  Vaccinations,  Interior Health,  Northern Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: ‘We’re living in daily pain’: Frustration as COVID-19 drives B.C. to cancel surgeries again | Globalnews.ca

URL: https://globalnews.ca/news/8471850/bc-covid-surgery-cancelled-reaction/

Description: Thousands of British Columbians face potential delays as the province moved this week to open hospital space amid never-before-seen COVID-19 case numbers driven by the highly-contagious Omicron variant.

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Subject:   Swan, Lauren,  Omicron Variant ,  Dix, Adrian,  Variants of Concern,  Chow, Matthew,  Lawson, Elena

Title: ‘Scrambling’: Family told by Victoria hospital not enough staff to feed 87-year-old mother | Globalnews.ca

URL: https://globalnews.ca/news/8584559/victoria-hospital-staff-shortages-patient-care/

Description: A lack of staff at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee hospital due to COVID-19 has meant at least one patient needs to count on family to come in and feed her.

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Subject:   Mears, Margaret,  Bell, Helen,  Royal Jubilee Hospital,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: Canada seeing rise in COVID-19 subvariants. Could this lead to a summer surge? - National | Globalnews.ca

URL: https://globalnews.ca/news/8928883/covid-subvariants-summer-surge-phac/

Description: Canada is seeing an increase in several fast-spreading COVID-19 variants that have been fuelling new outbreaks in the United States and Europe, Canada’s top doctors said Friday.

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Subject:   Variants of Concern,  Omicron Variant ,  Tam, Theresa,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Njoo, Howard,  Vaccinations

Title: B.C. preparing for fall rollout of new Omicron COVID-19 vaccine | Globalnews.ca

URL: https://globalnews.ca/news/9828362/bc-covid-booster-fall-omicron-henry/

Description: The province’s top doctor is urging British Columbians to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, and start looking at the shots less as a booster and more of an annual immunization similar to the flu shot.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Variants of Concern,  Omicron Variant ,  Henry, Bonnie,  National Advisory Committee on Immunization,  Influenza,  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine,  Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine,  Health Canada,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Wolak, Anna

Title: Andrew Weaver: Stepping up & speaking up when it matters | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/andrew-weaver-stepping-up-speaking-up-when-it-matters/

Description: Editorial feature on Dr. Andrew Weaver.

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Subject:   Weaver, Andrew,  BC Green Party,  Province of British Columbia,  Horgan, John,  New Democratic Party of British Columbia,  University of Victoria,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vaccinations,  Long COVID,  2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Title: BC opens 20 hospital EOC's as Dix still pushes for more federal health funding | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-opens-20-hospital-eocs-as-dix-still-pushes-for-more-federal-health-funding/

Description: It’s been a grinding long haul for the health-care system in BC to be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for now three years in BC.

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Subject:   Dix, Adrian,  Variants of Concern,  Omicron Variant ,  "Kraken" Variant,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Nanaimo Regional General Hospital,  Island Health,  Surrey Memorial Hospital,  Fraser Health,  Royal Inland Hospital,  Interior Health,  Trudeau, Justin,  Vaccinations,  Respiratory Syncytial Virus,  Influenza

Title: BC respiratory season: Medical masking required & health-care workers must be vaccinated | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/bc-respiratory-season-medical-masking-required-health-care-workers-must-be-vaccinated/

Description: Starting Tuesday October 3, masks will be mandatory in all health authority hospitals, private hospitals, long-term care, seniors assisted living, and provincial mental health facilities for workers, visitors, contractors, and volunteers.

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Subject:   Henry, Bonnie,  Dix, Adrian,  Vaccinations,  Conservative Party of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia,  Influenza,  Respiratory Syncytial Virus,  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine,  Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  "Kraken" Variant,  Pirola Variant,  Furstenau, Sonia,  Gandhi, Sanjiv

Title: COVID news: BA.2.86 variant detected in BC, first in Canada | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/covid-news-ba-2-86-variant-detected-in-bc-first-in-canada/

Description: BC Health announced this week that the first case of the BA.2.86 variant of the COVID-19 (i.e. SARS-CoV-2) virus was found in a person who had not travelled out of the province.

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Subject:   Variants of Concern,  Omicron Variant ,  "Kraken" Variant,  Pirola Variant,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Henry, Bonnie,  Dix, Adrian,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Vaccinations,  Wastewater Surveillance,  Influenza,  Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Title: COVID outbreaks at 5 long-term care homes | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/covid-outbreaks-at-5-long-term-care-homes/

Description: As the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly in communities and workplaces, today Island Health has declared COVID-19 outbreaks at five long-term care homes.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Island Health,  Aberdeen Hospital,  Glenwarren Lodge,  Selkirk Seniors Village,  West Coast Seniors Housing Management,  Eden Gardens,  Nanaimo Travellers Lodge Society,  Revera Living,  Nanaimo District Senior Citizens' Housing Development Society,  Kiwanis Village Nanaimo

Title: COVID vaccination profile in Island Health | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/covid-vaccination-profile-in-island-health/

Description: As the daily number of new COVID cases in Island Health continues to set records — today a new high at 562 — the push by public health for people to get vaccinated is unrelenting.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Vaccinations,  Henry, Bonnie,  Dix, Adrian,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  BC Vaccine Card,  Stanwick, Richard,  Smart, Katharine,  Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine,  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine,  AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Vaccine,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Delta Variant

Title: Education Minister offers assurances on New Year’s Day | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/education-minister-offers-assurances-on-new-years-day/

Description: Today on New Year’s Day, BC Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside posted on Twitter about the angst many parents and families are feeling about the return to classrooms during the burgeoning Omicron wave of the COVID pandemic.

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Subject:   Whiteside, Jennifer,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Education,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Stinson, Scott,  Sooke School District

Title: SD62 requires COVID vaccination proof from current employees | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/sd62-requires-covid-vaccination-proof-from-current-employees/

Description: Today SD62 Chair Ravi Parmar started off the week with a blast of COVID reality for the staff of the growing school district. A morning news conference was focused on the SD62 Board of Education’s decision to “implement a proof of vaccination procedure for all existing employees”.

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Subject:   Sooke School District,  Vaccinations,  Parmar, Ravi,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Sooke Teachers' Association,  Stinson, Scott,  École John Stubbs Memorial School

Title: SD63 student absence rate stable on first day back | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/sd63-student-absence-rate-stable-on-first-day-back/

Description: Today, on this first day back after winter break — during the Omicron wave of the pandemic — attendance levels for both students and staff are falling within the normal range in SD63 Saanich. By comparison, in SD62 (west shore and Sooke), 14% of students were away from class today in SD62.

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Subject:   Saanich School District,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Eberwein, Dave,  Sooke School District,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Education,  Whiteside, Jennifer

Title: UVic COVID cluster at 124 cases, four are Omicron | Island Social Trends

URL: https://islandsocialtrends.ca/uvic-covid-cluster-at-124-cases-four-are-omicron/

Description: Island Health and the University of Victoria have provided an update on the cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with people who attended off-campus events.

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Subject:   University of Victoria,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Island Health,  Rapid Antigen Tests

Title: Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim cancelled for second straight year | Nanaimo News Now

URL: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2021/12/15/frank-ney-memorial-polar-bear-swim-cancelled-for-second-straight-year/

Description: A Boxing Day tradition at Departure Bay Beach has been put on ice for another year.

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Subject:   Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim,  Ney, Brad,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: Staffing issues again cancel BC Ferries crossings between Nanaimo & Vancouver | Nanaimo News Now

URL: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/01/15/staffing-issues-again-cancel-bc-ferries-crossings-between-nanaimo-vancouver/

Description: BC Ferries are again preemptively cancelling a handful of sailings due to a lack of staff.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Marshall, Deborah,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Influenza,  Vaccinations

Title: Island Health pushes back elective surgeries at NRGH as part of ‘temporary service adjustments’ | Nanaimo News Now

URL: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/01/18/island-health-pushes-back-elective-surgeries-at-nrgh-as-part-of-temporary-service-adjustments/

Description: A statement from Island Health issued Tuesday, Jan. 18 noted elective, scheduled surgeries would continue to be postponed at three hospitals, including Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, until at least the end of the month.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Nanaimo Regional General Hospital,  MacNeil, Kathy,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Victoria General Hospital,  Royal Jubilee Hospital

Title: ‘It’s far too severe:’ Qualicum Beach couple disputes $11,400 COVID border fines | Nanaimo News Now

URL: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/05/12/its-far-too-severe-qualicum-beach-couple-disputes-11400-covid-border-fines/

Description: Charles and Susan Lee, formally of Nanaimo and now residing in Qualicum Beach, are fighting a pair of expensive federal imposed COVID-19 travel fines applied earlier this year.

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Subject:   Lee, Charles,  Lee, Susan,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Johns, Gord

Title: Qualicum Beach couple successfully disputes steep COVID border fines | Nanaimo News Now

URL: https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2022/06/27/qualicum-beach-couple-successfully-disputes-steep-covid-border-fines/

Description: A Surrey based prosecutor elected to drop charges against Charles and Susan Lee earlier this month, who were fined in mid-January at the Peace Arch border crossing while on their way back into Canada.

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Subject:   Lee, Charles,  Lee, Susan,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: Capital Daily newsletter: January 12, 2022 | Capital Daily

URL: https://overstory.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=30c8e1ca872524fbf7ea5c519ca397ee.1602&s=1d35845a9f6666ff6bba842e22701ee8

Description: Today we are looking at more of the impacts of the ongoing COVID case surge. Businesses and service providers are struggling to stay fully operational due to a lack of healthy and available staff. At the same time, many workers who are healthy enough to work in person fear they will not remain that way due to a lack of adequate protections. Below, we look at local examples of this: more closures of LifeLabs testing centres, and concerns from regional district and childcare workers.

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Subject:   Capital Regional District,  Canadian Union of Public Employees | Local 1978,  Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Brown, Catriona,  Early Childhood Educators of BC,  LifeLabs,  Island Health,  Saanich Peninsula Hospital,  Oyster Harbour Seniors Community,  Park Place Seniors Living,  Paxlovid,  Molnupiravir,  Henry, Bonnie,  Day Care Centres

Title: Once again, social media isn’t representative | The Orca

URL: https://theorca.ca/resident-pod/once-again-social-media-isnt-representative/

Description: Nearly two years into a pandemic, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry’s support has slipped – but make no mistake, it’s still quite strong.

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Subject:   Dix, Adrian,  Henry, Bonnie,  Trudeau, Justin,  Tam, Theresa,  Owen, Heather,  Twitter,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Horgan, John,  Leger Marketing,  Social Media

Title: Doctor urges B.C. parents to get kids vaccinated during extra week of winter break | CityNews

URL: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2021/12/30/bc-kids-vaccine-winter-break/

Description: A Metro Vancouver doctor is urging B.C. parents to take advantage of the delayed school start and get their kids vaccinated against COVID-19 before they return to the classroom.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Grewal, Navdeep,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: Omicron on Vancouver Island: More cases linked to UVic students | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/15-omicron-cases-now-linked-to-uvic-outbreak-island-health-1.5709448

Description: More cases of COVID-19 have been linked to gatherings of University of Victoria students while off-campus, something health officials say was expected.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  University of Victoria,  Henry, Bonnie,  Rugby,  Delta Variant,  Island Health,  Duclos, Jean-Yves,  Government of Canada,  Fraser Health,  2021 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship,  Queen's University

Title: B.C. daycare operators call for more support amid Omicron wave | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/absolutely-no-plan-at-all-daycare-operators-call-for-more-support-amid-omicron-wave-1.5738641

Description: School classes from kindergarten through Grade 12 were closed last week across B.C. to implement new safety measures and to prepare for the highly transmissible Omicron variant, but daycare and preschool providers were expected to open. The sector says it’s been ignored and essentially left to fend for itself.

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Subject:   Brown, Catriona,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten,  Brame, Meagan,  Vaccinations,  Russel, Patricia,  Province of British Columbia,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Day Care Centres,  Saxe Point Day Care

Title: Anti-mandate protesters return to B.C. legislature | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/anti-mandate-protesters-return-to-b-c-legislature-1.5807278

Description: Another convoy of anti-mandate protesters descended on the B.C. legislature Saturday, gathering on the lawn to voice opposition to COVID-19-related public health orders.

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Subject:   We Unify Canada,  Victoria Police Department,  BC Vaccine Card,  Vaccinations,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: BC Ferries, YYJ seeing increase in passengers this holiday season | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/bc-ferries-yyj-seeing-increase-in-passengers-this-holiday-season-1.5718793

Description: With Christmas just two days away, many people on Vancouver Island are getting on a plane or a ferry to spend time with family during the holiday season.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Victoria Airport Authority,  Hunchak, Rod,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Marshall, Deborah,  Christmas,  Victoria International Airport

Title: BC Ferries: Smaller routes facing service disruptions | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/coastal-communities-face-brunt-of-bc-ferries-service-disruptions-due-to-staffing-shortage-1.5737619

Description: 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.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Marshall, Deborah,  Vaccinations,  Transport Canada,  McNeely, Eric,  Abram, Jim,  Anderson, Noba,  BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union

Title: Cowichan Valley business owners call for end of B.C. Vaccine Card | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/cowichan-valley-business-owners-call-for-end-of-b-c-vaccine-card-1.5779752

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Subject:   BC Vaccine Card,  Scally, Aaron,  Small Block Brewery,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vaccinations,  Findlay, Bruce,  The Lion Rampant Scottish Pub,  Henry, Bonnie

Title: Demand for rapid COVID-19 tests soars at Vancouver Island pharmacy | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/demand-for-rapid-covid-19-tests-soars-at-vancouver-island-pharmacy-1.5724388

Description: As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, a West Shore pharmacy says demand for access to rapid tests in British Columbia is also soaring. According to Peoples Pharmacy in Colwood, B.C., most of the time the phone rings, it’s somebody asking about where and when they can get a rapid test.

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Subject:   Kwok, Henry,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Peoples Pharmacy

Title: Omicron on Vancouver Island: Police, paramedics, firefighters expect staff shortages | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/first-responders-anticipating-staff-shortages-as-omicron-wave-continues-1.5732471

Description: Vancouver Island’s emergency services detachments are closely monitoring staffing levels.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Victoria Police Department,  Manak, Del,  Royal Canadian Mounted Police,  Saanich Police Department,  View Royal Fire Rescue,  Hurst, Paul,  Colwood Fire Rescue,  Langford Fire Rescue,  Clifford, Troy,  Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia,  BC Emergency Health Services

Title: Greater Victoria gyms and fitness centres reopen after month-long COVID-19 shutdown | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/greater-victoria-gyms-and-fitness-centres-reopen-after-month-long-covid-19-shutdown-1.5748940

Description: After being closed for almost a month due a provincial health order aimed at preventing the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, gyms and fitness centres in Greater Victoria have reopened.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Davidson, Adam,  Styner, Brad,  Saanich Commonwealth Place,  District of Saanich,  Solares, Tiana,  CrossFit LoLo

Title: 'How are we going to pay our bills?': B.C. restrictions hitting local gyms and bars hard | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/how-are-we-going-to-pay-our-bills-b-c-restrictions-hitting-local-gyms-and-bars-hard-1.5716704

Description: A day after COVID-19 restrictions took effect on Monday, the province announced another round of measures on Tuesday in an effort to slow down the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. The new restrictions, which include the closure of bars and nightclubs, will take effect on Thursday.

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Subject:   Province of British Columbia,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Leachman, Quincy,  The Duke Saloon,  Thacker, Katie,  Third Space Movement,  Tostenson, Ian,  BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Title: Island Health reducing services due to Omicron staffing challenges | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/island-health-reducing-services-due-to-omicron-staffing-challenges-1.5745104

Description: Island Health says it is adjusting its service levels due to staffing shortages that have been largely caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Victoria General Hospital,  Royal Jubilee Hospital,  Nanaimo Regional General Hospital,  Saanich Peninsula Hospital,  Port Hardy Hospital,  Port McNeill Hospital,  MacNeil, Kathy,  Sidney Satellite Medical Laboratory,  Admirals Walk Medical Laboratory

Title: 'It can shut down and collapse units': Victoria's police union says department declared state of emergency due to Omicron | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/it-can-shut-down-and-collapse-units-victoria-s-police-union-says-department-declared-state-of-emergency-due-to-omicron-1.5730574

Description: The Victoria Police Department is taking a drastic step and declaring what amounts to a 'state of emergency' due to COVID-19 staffing concerns.

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Subject:   Victoria Police Department,  Victoria City Police Union,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Hollingsworth, Len,  Manak, Del,  Royal Canadian Mounted Police,  Manseau, Chris,  Winnipeg Police Service

Title: More BC Ferries sailings cancelled due to staff shortage | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/more-bc-ferries-sailings-cancelled-due-to-staff-shortage-1.5735596

Description: Several BC Ferries sailings between Vancouver and Nanaimo were cancelled Tuesday due to staffing issues, according to the company.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Transport Canada

Title: More than 100 BC Transit bus trips in Capital Region cancelled this weekend due to employee illness | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/more-than-100-bc-transit-bus-trips-in-capital-region-cancelled-this-weekend-due-to-employee-illness-1.5751155

Description: Dozens of BC Transit buses in Greater Victoria were cancelled on Saturday, and dozens more cancellations were expected on Sunday.

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Subject:   BC Transit,  Victoria Regional Transit System,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: New COVID-19 outbreaks declared at Vancouver Island care homes | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/new-covid-19-outbreaks-declared-at-vancouver-island-care-homes-1.5744995

Description: Three new COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared at long-term care facilities in Greater Victoria, while two earlier outbreaks are now over, according to the latest report from Vancouver Island's health authority.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Veterans Memorial Lodge,  Broadmead Care,  Sunset Lodge,  Salvation Army,  Sidney Care Home,  The Care Group,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Selkirk Seniors Village,  West Coast Seniors Housing Management

Title: Hey Happy: Café owner speaks on impacts of Omicron | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/physically-and-emotionally-drained-omicron-affecting-local-businesses-and-staff-1.5730665

Description: The doors are locked and the lights are out at Hey Happy café in downtown Victoria.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Hey Happy,  Kettner, Rob,  Henry, Bonnie,  Kahlon, Ravi

Title: Surge in South Island COVID-19 cases linked to UVic parties, doctor says | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/surge-in-south-island-covid-19-cases-linked-to-uvic-parties-doctor-says-1.5703392

Description: Island Health’s top doctor, Dr. Richard Stanwick, confirmed Friday that at least 30 cases of COVID-19 have sprung up in a cluster amongst students at the University of Victoria.

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Subject:   Stanwick, Richard,  University of Victoria,  Island Health,  Vaccinations,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Tam, Theresa,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Henry, Bonnie,  Conway, Brian,  Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre

Title: Take-out orders helping Victoria restaurants survive latest pandemic wave | CTV News

URL: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/take-out-orders-helping-victoria-restaurants-survive-latest-pandemic-wave-1.5739660

Description: The Dumpling Drop restaurant in downtown Victoria is now take-out only, for the foreseeable future. But not all restaurants can go down this path as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 makes its way through the community and workplaces.

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Subject:   Dumpling Drop,  Tayanunth, Tarn,  Molloi, Shelly,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Romeo's,  Mavrikos, Christopher,  Boston Pizza,  Tostenson, Ian,  BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Title: COVID-19: 'Omicron tidal wave' is coming, hospitals will be overwhelmed, predict scientists | Vancouver Sun

URL: https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/covid-19-omicron-tidal-wave-is-coming-hospitals-will-be-overwhelmed-predict-scientists/

Description: New modelling shows B.C. could reach 10,000 new COVID-19 cases a day within two weeks, causing hospitals to become overwhelmed with patients, say a group of B.C.-based scientists.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  von Bergmann, Jens,  Delta Variant,  Henry, Bonnie,  Contandriopoulos, Damien,  Vaccinations,  Cytrynbaum, Eric,  Dix, Adrian

Title: We're number one? | VanIsle.News

URL: https://vanisle.news/were-number-one/

Description: Comox Valley is red hot with COVID and it’s not great.

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Subject:   Enns, Charmaine,  Northgate Church,  Vaccinations,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: 1,000 B.C. kids hospitalized, thousands left with long COVID | Burnaby Now

URL: https://www.burnabynow.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/1000-bc-kids-hospitalized-thousands-left-with-long-covid-5832177/

Description: Nearly 1,000 British Columbian children have been hospitalized with COVID-19, and the Protect Our Province coalition wants the B.C. government to do more to keep kids safe.

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Subject:   Long COVID,  Protect Our Province BC,  Henry, Bonnie,  Heighton, Jennifer,  Filiatrault, Lyne,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vaccinations

Title: Cancelled ferry sailings are a symptom of a longstanding problem in the marine industry. It’s only going to get worse. | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/bc-ferries-cancelled-sailings-mariner-shortage/

Description: Worker shortages are now endemic in the industry—but warnings started decades ago.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Collins, Mark,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vaccinations,  Marshall, Deborah,  Washington State Ferries,  Topshee, Angus,  Royal Canadian Navy,  Calgary (Ship),  Liebmann, Andrew,  McNeely, Eric,  Oram, Trevor,  Muñoz, Eduardo,  BC Ferry & Marine Workers' Union

Title: BC removing vaccine card, daily reports despite signs of 6th wave | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/bc-removing-vaccine-card-daily-reports-despite-signs-of-6th-wave/

Description: Cases and hospitalizations are ticking upward, but BC is staying the course by removing restrictions and data sharing.

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Subject:   BC Vaccine Card,  Vaccinations,  Province of British Columbia,  Wastewater Surveillance,  Island Health,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Henry, Bonnie,  Dix, Adrian,  National Advisory Committee on Immunization,  Helm, Britt,  Nanaimo Regional General Hospital,  Furstenau, Sonia

Title: COVID-19 hospitalization data is being misunderstood as next wave begins: BC modelling group | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/covid-19-hospitalization-data-is-being-misunderstood-as-next-wave-begins-bc-modelling-group/

Description: The BC COVID-19 modelling group’s latest report highlights a mistake in the way people are interpreting the province’s COVID-19 hospitalization data, which appears to incorrectly indicate hospitalizations are declining.

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Subject:   BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Otto, Sarah,  Vaccinations,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Long COVID,  Tan, Amy,  Times Colonist

Title: Island hospitals, schools already facing impact of COVID-19, respiratory virus surge | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/island-hospitals-schools-covid-19-respiratory-virus-surge/

Description: BC is expecting a surge of hospitalizations this fall, but won’t instate any public health measures.

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Subject:   Influenza,  Henry, Bonnie,  Dix, Adrian,  Vaccinations,  Saanich Peninsula Hospital,  Island Health,  Unger, Jeff,  Tan, Amy,  Breingan, Merle-Ann,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Wastewater Surveillance,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  Karlen, Dean

Title: Vaccinated or not, on Lasqueti Island, everyone has to get along | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/lasqueti-island-vaccination-debate/

Description: The island made headlines recently for its hardline anti-vax community, but there’s more to running a community than fighting over vaccines.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Social Media,  Enright, Adam,  False Bay Provisions,  People's Party of Canada,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Our Isle & Times,  Facebook,  Olsen, Dave,  de Rege, Valeria,  Peterson, Tim,  Lasqueti Island Pub and Hotel,  BC Vaccine Card,  Lasqueti Island Arts Centre,  Maher, Morgan,  Lasqueti Community Centre,  Canada Post,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine,  Fauci, Anthony,  Tamerius, Karin,  Bail, Chris

Title: ‘Never seen it this bad’: New long COVID clinic opens in Victoria, as emergency rooms fill up | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/long-covid-clinic-opens-in-victoria/

Description: A new clinic for people who suffer from long COVID symptoms has opened at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and is taking referrals as of this week.

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Subject:   Long COVID,  Royal Jubilee Hospital,  Island Health,  Unger, Jeff,  Saanich Peninsula Hospital,  Victoria General Hospital,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Esquimalt Medical Clinic,  Shoreline Medical Clinic,  West Coast Family Medical Clinic,  West Saanich Medical Clinic

Title: ‘Mass disabling event’: Advocates fear tsunami of long COVID patients as Omicron spreads unchecked | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/long-covid-omicron/

Description: There are still a lot of unknowns about the post-viral syndrome, and COVID long haulers are struggling to find support.

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Subject:   Willis, Jan,  Long COVID,  McGarva, Jonah,  Long COVID Canada,  WorkSafeBC,  Zeidler, Karina,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Tam, Theresa,  Henry, Bonnie,  Vaccinations,  Delta Variant,  Provincial Health Services Authority,  Goulding, Susie,  COVID Long-Haulers Support Group Canada

Title: Omicron is upending Vancouver Island hospitals and schools | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/omicron-is-upending-vancouver-island-hospitals-and-schools/

Description: Health workers say they’re stretched past the breaking point, while teachers feel their concerns are ignored.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Island Health,  Royal Jubilee Hospital,  Victoria General Hospital,  Stanwick, Richard,  Henry, Bonnie,  Gagnon, Marilou,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  Karlen, Dean,  Whiteside, Jennifer,  Greater Victoria School District,  Waldron, Winona,  Cowichan Valley School District,  Greater Victoria Teachers' Association

Title: Staff limitations determine the pace of Island COVID booster shot rollout | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/staff-limitations-determine-the-pace-of-island-covid-booster-shot-rollout/

Description: School immunization programs are on pause, as staff are called to administer the bivalent shots at mass vaccination clinics.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Stevenson, Monica,  Influenza,  Henry, Bonnie,  Contandriopoulos, Damien,  Ventilation

Title: Victoria hospitals, long COVID clinic brace for summer wave of COVID-19 reinfections | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/summer-wave-covid-19-reinfections/

Description: New subvariants that can get past antibodies are on the rise in BC, while new research shows reinfections increase overall health risks.

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Subject:   Variants of Concern,  Island Health,  Long COVID,  Saanich Peninsula Hospital,  Unger, Jeff,  Otto, Sarah,  Omicron Variant ,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Burn-Murdoch, John,  Victoria General Hospital,  Royal Jubilee Hospital,  Vaccinations,  National Advisory Committee on Immunization,  Henry, Bonnie,  Delta Variant,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Olsen, Tyler

Title: Third Omicron wave will bring an onslaught of new COVID-19 patients by end of July: new expert report | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/third-omicron-wave-covid-19-bc-modelling-group-report/

Description: A predicted rise in cases driven by BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants could see 40 to 60 new hospital admissions per day.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  Karlen, Dean,  Delta Variant,  Otto, Sarah,  Unger, Jeff,  Vaccinations,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Protect Our Province BC

Title: ‘Significantly over capacity’: Island hospitals overwhelmed amid silence and data gaps | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/vancouver-island-hospitals-over-capacity/

Description: Respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses are filling hospital beds, while surgeries are being postponed to make room.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Dix, Adrian,  Henry, Bonnie,  Influenza,  Respiratory Syncytial Virus,  Victoria General Hospital,  Royal Jubilee Hospital,  Nanaimo Regional General Hospital,  Otto, Sarah,  Bourdon, Sienna,  Wastewater Surveillance,  Saanich Peninsula Hospital,  Lush, Jennifer,  Variants of Concern,  "Kraken" Variant,  Long COVID,  Omicron Variant

Title: Vancouver Island is awash with Omicron. What are authorities doing to slow it? | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/vancouver-island-omicron-covid-fifth-wave/

Description: Data from other jurisdictions show the Island is in for a rough month to come, but authorities are still denying basic facts about the virus.

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Subject:   Variants of Concern,  Omicron Variant ,  Henry, Bonnie,  Northgate Chuch,  University of Victoria,  Island Health,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Vaccinations,  Contandriopoulos, Damien,  Stanwick, Richard,  University of Victoria | Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities,  Province of British Columbia,  Dix, Adrian,  Health Canada,  National Advisory Committee on Immunization,  College of Pharmacists of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  Karlen, Dean,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Protect Our Province BC,  Filiatrault, Lyne,  Gasperowicz, Malgorzata,  Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Title: Victoria healthcare workers brace for Omicron’s impact on nearly full hospitals | Capital Daily

URL: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/victoria-healthcare-workers-brace-omicron-full-hospitals/

Description: Island Health is pleading with workers to take extra shifts, while some doctors and nurses say the province isn’t following the science on staff protection.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Tan, Amy,  Delta Variant,  Otto, Sarah,  BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  Dix, Adrian,  Karlen, Dean,  University of Victoria,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Hinshaw, Deena,  Government of Canada,  Cowichan District Hospital,  Henry, Bonnie

Title: B.C. government mute on Penny Ballem pay, Bonnie Henry book | Castanet.net

URL: https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/359728/B-C-government-mute-on-Penny-Ballem-pay-Bonnie-Henry-book/

Description: Documents obtained under the freedom of information law show that Dr. Penny Ballem, the head of the province’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, charged taxpayers $405,000 last January through September for her services. Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) is refusing to explain how Dr. Bonnie Henry was allowed to co-author a book about her work as the Provincial Health Officer during the pandemic’s first wave.

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Subject:   Ballem, Penny,  Henry, Bonnie,  Pendru Consulting,  Vaccinations,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  ImmunizeBC,  Aronson, Art,  Provincial Health Services Authority,  Visscher, Andrea,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Province of British Columbia,  Olsen, Adam,  Beare, Lisa,  Woywada, Jason

Title: Canadian field hockey players heading home from South Africa after travel exemption granted | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6274021

Description: Canadian field hockey players stuck in South Africa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions are set to finally depart on Dec. 8 after receiving a travel exemption from the Canadian government.

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Subject:   Goddard, Sue,  Goddard-Despot, Nora,  Goddard-Despot, Arden,  Field Hockey Canada,  2021 Women’s Junior World Cup,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Mollenhauer, Nancy

Title: Women's field hockey team back in Canada after getting stuck in South Africa as Omicron emerged | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6281751

Description: A long ordeal for Canada's junior women's field hockey team has come to an end, as the team quarantines in a Toronto-area hotel after being stranded in South Africa due to restrictions around the Omicron coronavirus variant.

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Subject:   Field Hockey Canada,  Berger, Jenna,  2021 Women’s Junior World Cup,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Berger, Liz

Title: University of Victoria cancels in-person exams after spike in COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6283381

Description: The University of Victoria announced Sunday it is moving its in-person exams online beginning Monday after a rise in COVID-19 cases on Vancouver Island.

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Subject:   University of Victoria,  Kilbey, Kane,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Lewis, Susan

Title: While Omicron spreads, B.C. vaccine clinics are closing for the holidays | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6289243

Description: While the Omicron variant rapidly spreads, community vaccine clinics across British Columbia are closing for the holidays — some for as long as two weeks.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vaccinations,  Fares, Jean,  Conway, Brian,  Dix, Adrian,  Northern Health,  Brown, Elliott,  Curtis, Norah,  Juni, Peter,  National Advisory Committee on Immunization,  Huber, Dezene,  AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD Vaccine

Title: 3 more B.C. universities to begin 2022 school term online after surge in COVID-19 cases | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6297376

Description: Simon Fraser University, the University of Northern B.C. and the University of Victoria have all announced they will be beginning the new year's spring term online.

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Subject:   Simon Fraser University,  University of Northern British Columbia,  University of Victoria,  University of British Columbia,  Henry, Bonnie,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: B.C.'s heli-ski industry under pressure from Omicron despite COVID-19 testing, precautions | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6300833

Description: B.C.'s $300-million per year heli-ski industry ramped up in December to meet growing foreign demand, but a surge in COVID-19 cases is bringing some operations to a halt.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Cloutier, Ross,  HeliCat Canada,  Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing Resort,  Bella Coola Heli Sports,  Steiner, Beat,  Benton, Scott,  Lewis, Renata,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures,  Wilderness Tourism Association of British Columbia

Title: Health-care workers group in B.C. demand better mask policy at COVID-19 vaccination centres | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6301143

Description: A group of physicians, nurses and health scientists in B.C. are urging the Ministry of Health to provide all health-care workers who work at vaccination centres with N95 masks or other well-fitted higher-grade masks.

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Subject:   Filiatrault, Lyne,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Rosenczweig, Alex,  Vancouver Coastal Health,  Vaccinations,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Protect Our Province BC

Title: Pacific Coastal Airlines suspends flights for two days due to Omicron cases among staff | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6302338

Description: Pacific Coastal Airlines, an operator which serves smaller communities throughout B.C's West Coast and Interior, has suspended operations for two days due to transmission of COVID-19 at its operational control centre at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport.

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Subject:   Pacific Coastal Airlines,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vancouver International Airport,  Smith, Quentin,  WestJet

Title: How B.C.'s schools are planning possible switch to online learning as threat of staff shortages looms | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6304438

Description: School districts across the province are developing contingency plans in case of widespread staff shortages. In Surrey, 'functional closures' of schools would be implemented over three days with a temporary move to online learning.

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Subject:   Surrey Schools,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Whiteside, Jennifer,  Tinney, Jordan,  Bir, Jatinder,  Surrey Teachers Association,  BC School Trustees Association,  Higginson, Stephanie,  Waldron, Winona,  Greater Victoria Teachers' Association,  Greater Victoria School District

Title: All Victoria police may be put on front-line duties as city prepares for COVID-19 surge | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6307604

Description: First responders among many professions in B.C. planning for staffing crunches due to Omicron variant.

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Subject:   Victoria Police Department,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Manak, Del,  Prince Rupert Fire Rescue Department

Title: Staffing issues force B.C. ferry cancellations after company warns about impact of Omicron | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6309886

Description: Several B.C. Ferries sailings between Vancouver and Vancouver Island were cancelled Tuesday morning due to staffing issues.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vancouver Coastal Health,  University of British Columbia,  Victoria Police Department,  Manak, Del,  Prince Rupert Fire Rescue Department,  Vancouver Police Department,  Addison, Steve

Title: Dr. Richard Stanwick retires after 26 years in public health on Vancouver Island | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6330549

Description: Dr. Richard Stanwick had been planning to retire around the beginning of 2020, but a new coronavirus was making headlines so he decided to stick around. Now, nearly two years into the pandemic, Island Health's chief medical health officer is retiring on Jan. 28 from the role he has held since 2001.

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Subject:   Stanwick, Richard,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: Parents left frustrated as schools, districts reject donations of air filters for classrooms | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6337417

Description: Dave Pataky offered to build more Corsi-Rosenthal boxes to help improve ventilation at his child's school — which the school rejected, saying the DIY boxes did not meet standards of the CSA Group.

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Subject:   Pataky, Dave,  Ventilation,  Walton Elementary School,  Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes,  School District 43 Coquitlam,  CSA Group,  Brauer, Michael,  Costa, Elizabete,  Monterey Middle School,  Greater Victoria School District,  Taneja, Shiven,  Mooring, Teri,  British Columbia Teachers' Federation,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Education,  Public Health Agency of Canada,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern

Title: Why the timing of your next COVID shot is so important | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6496394

Description: The timing of your next COVID-19 vaccine may be more important than ever, as highly contagious Omicron subvariants are on the rise in Canada and waning immunity from previous vaccination and infection threatens to fuel another surge.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Tam, Theresa,  Otto, Sarah,  National Advisory Committee on Immunization,  Wastewater Surveillance,  Gommerman, Jennifer,  Kelvin, Alyson

Title: Modelling group says B.C.'s under-reporting of COVID-19 data makes personal risk assessment harder | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6617650

Description: An independent modelling group says that B.C. is under-reporting all major COVID-19 metrics, making it impossible for residents to know their true risk.

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Subject:   BC COVID-19 Modelling Group,  Otto, Sarah,  Henry, Bonnie,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concerns,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Vaccinations

Title: 1st Canadian case of highly mutated COVID-19 virus variant BA.2.86 detected in B.C. | CBC News

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/covid-variant-first-canadian-case-bc-1.6951185

Description: Health officials in British Columbia say they have detected the first known Canadian case of the BA.2.86 COVID-19 virus variant.

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Subject:   Variants of Concern,  Fraser Health,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Omicron Variant ,  Pirola Variant,  Henry, Bonnie,  Dix, Adrian,  Wastewater Surveillance,  Conway, Brian,  Eris Variant,  Health Canada,  Zeidler, Karina,  Vaccinations,  Ventilation,  Vancouver Coastal Health,  Interior Health,  Island Health

Title: 1 additional case linked to University of Victoria COVID-19 outbreak, total climbs to 182 | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/1-additional-case-linked-to-university-of-victoria-covid-19-outbreak-total-climbs-to-182-933879/

Description: One more COVID-19 case has been linked to an outbreak associated with the University of Victoria. Island Health told CHEK News in a statement Wednesday that there are now 182 cases linked with the outbreak that began in December.

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Subject:   University of Victoria,  Island Health,  Stanwick, Richard,  Vaccinations,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  2021 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship,  Queen's University,  Rugby

Title: 49 schools on Vancouver Island added to website tracking COVID exposures since Jan. 10 | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/49-schools-on-vancouver-island-added-to-website-tracking-covid-exposures-since-jan-10-938427/

Description: Nearly 50 schools on Vancouver Island have been added to an independent website tracking coronavirus exposures since children returned to the classroom last Monday.

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Subject:   BC School Covid Tracker,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Province of British Columbia,  Whiteside, Jennifer,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Education

Title: 82 Vancouver Island schools added to COVID exposure tracking website since Jan. 17 | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/82-vancouver-island-schools-added-to-website-tracking-covid-exposures-942926/

Description: More than 80 different Vancouver Island have been added to an independent website tracking coronavirus exposures at schools in the past seven days.

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Subject:   BC School Covid Tracker,  Island Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Province of British Columbia

Title: 84 Vancouver Island schools added to COVID exposure tracking website since Jan. 24 | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/84-vancouver-island-schools-added-to-covid-exposure-tracking-website-since-jan-24-947496/

Description: Nearly 85 different schools on Vancouver Island have been added to an independent website tracking coronavirus exposures in the past seven days.

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Subject:   Island Health,  BC School Covid Tracker,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Province of British Columbia,  Rapid Antigen Tests

Title: As Omicron cases explode, Island Health ramps up booster shot program | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/as-omicron-cases-explode-island-health-ramps-up-booster-shot-program-934182/

Description: With Omicron cases mounting, 24 additional vaccination stations will be ready to start administering booster shots at the Archie Browning Sports Centre on Thursday.

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Subject:   Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vaccinations,  Island Health,  Archie Browning Sports Centre,  Stanwick, Richard,  Thomsen, Danette

Title: B.C. has used less than 10% of its rapid antigen tests, officials say they don't prevent transmission | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/b-c-has-used-less-than-10-of-its-rapid-antigen-tests-officials-say-they-dont-prevent-transmission-925792/

Description: Rapid antigen tests have limited use, don’t prevent transmission of COVID-19 and are not a replacement for the vaccine, according to British Columbia’s top doctor.

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Subject:   Rapid Antigen Tests,  Henry, Bonnie,  Health Canada,  Filiatrault, Lyne,  Delta Variant,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Title: BC advocacy groups call on government to reinstate mandatory mask protection in all indoor public spaces | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/bc-advocacy-groups-call-on-government-to-reinstate-mandatory-mask-protection-in-all-indoor-public-spaces-1010667/

Description: A collection of BC advocacy groups are coming together and calling on the Province to reinstate the mask mandate in indoor public spaces, businesses, schools and on public transit.

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Subject:   Protect Our Province BC,  Safe Schools Coalition BC,  BC School Covid Tracker,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  BC Ferries,  British Columbia's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner

Title: BC Ferries sees cancellations due to staff shortages and warns of more | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/bc-ferries-sees-cancellations-due-to-staff-shortages-and-warns-of-more-939146/

Description: Ferry sailings can be disrupted in winter due to storms, but this year is expected to be especially challenging due to serious staffing issues at BC Ferries.

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Subject:   BC Ferries,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Chang, Astrid,  Vaccinations,  Government of Canada

Title: COVID-19 to blame as BC Transit cancels multiple trips for a second day | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/bc-transit-cancels-multiple-trips-for-a-second-day-due-to-driver-shortage-1023729/

Description: BC Transit cancelled multiple trips in Greater Victoria for a second straight day, and officials are chalking it up to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Subject:   BC Transit,  Schubert, Kevin,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Fleming, Rob,  Victoria Regional Transit System

Title: BCTF urges province to temporarily move K-12 learning online, implement more measures to protect schools from COVID | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/bctf-demands-province-temporarily-move-k-12-school-learning-online-in-january-930874/

Description: Teachers in the province are calling on the B.C. government implement further measures to protect staff and students before schools reopen next week.

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Subject:   British Columbia Teachers' Federation,  Mooring, Teri,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Province of British Columbia,  Island Health,  Ventilation,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Education

Title: Colwood school has 28 per cent absentee rate weeks after reopening | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/colwood-school-has-28-per-cent-absentee-rate-weeks-after-reopening-940574/

Description: A school in the Sooke School District has lost nearly one-third of its students, with many of those absences presumably due to illness including COVID-19, a little over a week-and-a-half after schools reopened after the winter break.

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Subject:   École John Stubbs Memorial School,  Sooke School District,  Island Health,  Stinson, Scott,  Vancouver Island COVID-19 Rapid Response Team,  Whiteside, Jennifer,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Day Care Centres,  Brame, Meagan,  Saxe Point Day Care,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Henry, Bonnie

Title: Expert pushes back on Bonnie Henry's claims schools are not a major source of transmission | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/doctor-pushes-back-on-bonnie-henrys-claims-schools-are-not-a-major-source-of-transmission-933513/

Description: B.C.'s top doctor has claimed that schools are not a major source of transmission, but is she right? The data isn't clear.

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Subject:   Henry, Bonnie,  Jimenez, Jose-Luis,  Tupper, Paul,  Broadhurst, Jana,  Variants of Concern,  Delta Variant,  Furness, Colin,  Omicron Variant ,  British Columbia Teachers' Federation,  Ventilation,  Austin, Sara,  Children First Canada,  Vaccinations,  Heighton, Jennifer,  Omaha Public Schools

Title: 'Extremely paternalistic': Doctor derides B.C.'s policy on COVID notifications at post-secondary schools | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/extremely-paternalistic-doctor-derides-b-c-s-policy-on-covid-notifications-at-post-secondary-schools-920172/

Description: Dr. David Fisman, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Toronto, said during a virtual event hosted by Protect Our Province B.C. on Wednesday that the B.C. government’s decision to discourage post-secondary institutions from issuing exposure notifications is "extremely paternalistic" and unacceptable.

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Subject:   Fisman, David,  Protect Our Province BC,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  World Health Organization

Title: Four UVic rugby team members diagnosed with highly contagious Omicron variant | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/four-uvic-rugby-team-members-diagnosed-with-highly-contagious-covid-19-omicron-variant-927123/

Description: Just over two weeks ago, the UVic rugby team took on UBC in a snowy Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship gold medal game in Kingston Ontario, now an Omicron hotbed. UVic walked away with second place, and four cases of the highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant.

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Subject:   University of Victoria,  Rugby,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  2021 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship,  Boag, Ethan,  Island Health,  Delta Variant,  Henry, Bonnie,  Queen's University

Title: Free spring COVID booster now available in B.C.; mask mandate dropped | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/free-spring-covid-booster-now-available-in-b-c-mask-mandate-dropped-in-health-care-facilities-1198528/

Description: Spring COVID booster shots are now available in B.C. for anyone six months and older, and the mask mandate in health-care facilities is being dropped.

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Subject:   Vaccinations,  Province of British Columbia,  Province of British Columbia | Ministry of Health,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  "Kraken" Variant,  Island Health,  Rapid Antigen Tests

Title: High number of healthcare COVID outbreaks in Island Health due to declaration threshold | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/high-number-of-healthcare-covid-outbreaks-in-island-health-due-to-declaration-threshold-952225/

Description: Island Health currently has almost half of all the health care facility outbreaks in the province, and the health authority says that is likely due to the threshold it uses to declare an outbreak.

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Subject:   Island Health,  BC Centre for Disease Control,  Benusic, Mike,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Vancouver Coastal Health,  Fraser Health

Title: International flights can now land at Nanaimo Airport | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/international-flights-can-now-land-at-nanaimo-airport-959434/

Description: International flights can return to Nanaimo Airport and many other smaller airports in Canada.

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Subject:   Nanaimo Airport,  Transport Canada,  Government of Canada,  Vaccinations,  Rapid Antigen Tests,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Alghabra, Omar

Title: Island Health facing worker shortage, asking staff to return from scheduled leaves | CHEK News

URL: https://www.cheknews.ca/island-health-facing-worker-shortage-asking-staff-to-return-from-scheduled-leaves-931521/

Description: Island Health has sent a memo to its staff asking for people to voluntarily come back from their scheduled leave, or they may have to mandate workers to return in order to address staffing shortages.

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Subject:   Island Health,  Bjarnason, Elin,  Allan, Krista,  Omicron Variant ,  Variants of Concern,  Henry, Bonnie