Covid-19

The latest novel coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Wednesday (this file will be updated throughout the day). Web links to longer stories if available.5:41 p.m. Ontario’s regional health units are now reporting more than 25,000 COVID-19 cases following a second consecutive day of case totals that suggest a recent declining trend may…

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Every US state has begun lifting measures enacted weeks ago to curb the spread of coronavirus -- though daily case rates still are rising in parts of the country. The last state to lift some restrictions was Connecticut, which is set to allow outdoor dining …

US President Donald Trump has defended his use of a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the coronavirus despite medical warnings, saying it was up to individuals to make their own decisions. Without offering any evidence, Mr Trump told reporters during a visit to the US Capitol that he thinks hydroxychloroquine "gives you an additional…

More than 40 000 people are expected to die from the coronavirus in South Africa by November, one million people will be infected and the country is unlikely to have enough ICU beds at the peak of the pandemic. This according to a presentation by a group of scientists advising the government on projections and modelling…

The Department of Correctional Services recorded 654 positive Covid-19 cases on Tuesday evening, an increase of 49 since Monday morning.This included 199 officials and 455 inmates, with recoveries standing at 123, the department said in a statement on Tuesday."Results of inmates who were tested at SADA [prison] in the Eastern Cape recorded an increase of…

Mirabai Nicholson-McKellar felt the first effects of COVID-19 more than two months ago.Key points:Mirabai Nicholson-McKellar first tested positive to COVID-19 in MarchIn late April she was told she was clear to leave isolationSince then she has tested positive to COVID-19 twice moreShe developed symptoms in mid-March after returning from Germany."I had a mild dry cough…

Australia is spending $100 million to help the governments of struggling Pacific countries meet the basic costs of running their countries.Key points:Australia will give $100 million to 10 Pacific countriesPapua New Guinea will receive the most assistance, at $20.5 millionPacific workers in Australia have been given a 12-month visa extensionThe halt in international tourism due…

President Trump said Monday that he is taking the controversial drug hydroxychloroquine — an antimalaria drug that the Food and Drug Administration has warned against widespread use — along with zinc as preventative measures against the coronavirus. "I get a lot of tremendously positive news on the hydroxy and I say, hey, you know the…

Canada recorded 1,070 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, including 60 more deaths.The new numbers bring Canada’s total confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths to 78,061 and 5,842, respectively.More than 50 per cent of Canada’s coronavirus cases have recovered as well, with 39, 251 people declared virus-free as of May 18.Both Quebec and Ontario…