Tag: COVID restrictions

‘Coming out of COVID:’ Saskatchewan Lifts Home Gathering Ban, Worship Capacity Rises

REGINA—Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says his province is on its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic as his government lifted a ban on household visits and told places of worship that they can hold larger services, just in time for Easter. Starting Tuesday, Saskatchewan residents can have up to 10 people inside their homes, though…


Restrictions Easing in Some Provinces as U.S. Issues Advice to Those Fully Vaccinated

Restrictions meant to stem the spread of COVID-19 are easing in parts of Ontario and Quebec, as well as all of New Brunswick. Ontario is lifting stay-at-home orders today in Toronto, Peel Region and North Bay—the last three regions subject to the government’s strictest measures. Residents in five regions of Quebec, including the capital, will…


Australian Border Closure Extended a Further Three Months

International borders remain closed for another three months as Australia’s emergency travel ban has been extended until June 17. Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the extension yesterday, citing the overseas situation as the main reason. “The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has advised the Australian Government the COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an…


Over 200,000 Small Businesses Could Permanently Close Due to COVID-19: Report

Over 200,000 Canadian small businesses could permanently close due to the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns, putting millions of private sector jobs at risk, according to the latest report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the largest small-business association in Canada. The CFIB estimates about 181,000, or one in six Canadian small-business owners, are seriously…


Albertans Can Make Hair and Tattoo Appointments as Some COVID Restrictions Eased

EDMONTON—Albertans will now be able to visit hair salons and tattoo parlours as the province relaxes a few of its COVID-19 restrictions. Starting today, personal and wellness services, including hair salons and tattoo parlours, can open by appointment only. Outdoor social gatherings, which were previously banned, will be allowed in groups of up to 10…


Toronto Imposes More COVID-19 Measures on Businesses

Toronto Mayor John Tory says he is adding more COVID-19 measures, effective immediately, which businesses across the city must follow. The new measures include mandating employers to immediately inform Toronto Public Health if two or more of their employees test positive for COVID-19 in their workplace within a 14-day interval. The municipal government also requires employers…


Canadian Politicians Face Heat for Travelling Amid Lockdown Orders

Two Canadian politicians are facing backlash for ignoring their government’s own health advice by vacationing outside Canada, despite limits on non-essential travel in their home provinces amid the pandemic. Ontario finance minister Rod Phillips said Dec. 29 he will return home after being criticized for going on vacation to a Caribbean island of St. Barts…


Sen. Rand Paul: Governors Should Never Have Been Allowed to Become ‘Dictators’

In an early morning Christmas day interview, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said that governors should never have been allowed to accumulate so much power that they can lock down the economy. “You know, nobody ever intended that governors would be sort of czars or dictators in charge of the economy,” Paul said. Adding, “In my…


Sydneysiders Waiting to Hear Christmas Restrictions

Sydneysiders are set to learn what Christmas will look like as the NSW cabinet meets to decide the next steps to tackle a COVID-19 outbreak in the city’s northern beaches. Premier Gladys Berejiklian is set to announce on December 23 what restrictions will apply for gatherings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Berejiklian…