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Home becomes school and workplace as students switch to online learning

Spring break is over in most of Canada but provincial governments and teachers’ unions are still trying to figure out how learning will resume at home, which for many parents has been transformed into a workplace and now a classroom. Shelley Morse, president of the Canadian Teachers Federation, said her main concern is that some students won’t have access to the technology they need to continue schooling at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Young Canadians needing hospital treatment for COVID-19

‘Even if you’re hearing of (no cases) in your community, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any’: Tam

Younger people in Canada are getting COVID-19 and are being hospitalized. That’s the warning from the country’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, who revealed that 12 per cent of the virus cases who’ve needed hospital care are under 40 years old.…

B.C. food banks receive $3 million in emergency funding

Food Banks BC will assess the needs and requirements of food banks to determine the amount and timing of the distribution.

The B.C. government announced more funding on Sunday, March 29 to help food banks across the province. A $3-million emergency grant from the Community Gaming Grants program is being distributed to Food Banks British Columbia.…

Ottawa unveils $16.5m in new support for seniors, youths

What happened: Ottawa is offering more funding to youths and seniors Why it matters: B.C. also recently announced new support for older residents who find themselves in vulnerable situations amid the pandemic…

Injured Humboldt Bronco player launches lawsuit against drivers in deadly crash

‘The family do not hold any ill will to any of the defendants:’ lawyer

A hockey player paralyzed from the chest down in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash has launched a lawsuit that names both drivers involved in the deadly collision. Ryan Straschnitzki is seeking damages from the truck driver, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, who was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in the crash, the driver of the junior hockey team’s bus, Glen Doerksen, who was killed in the crash, along with the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan and several others.…

What the new 75% wage subsidy means for B.C. businesses

Move could mean that small businesses can keep more workers on their payrolls as the pandemic dramatically slows the economy

Ken Peacock couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when the federal government unveiled a wage subsidy for small businesses earlier this month. “My main thought when they announced 10 per cent only a week ago was that, that was going to do very little,” said the chief economist at the Business Council of B.C (BCBC).…

COVID-19 testing still targeted at health system, identifying transmission in B.C.

People now considered recovered if symptom-free for 10 days

British Columbia’s top doctor said testing for COVID-19 remains focused on the health-care system and identifying chains of transmission, rather than the broader public. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said there has been some testing where clusters of the disease have been identified across the province and people who were exposed are unclear whether or not they have symptoms.…

The podcaster

In a bygone era (last summer) where you welcomed people to your home, Andrea Helleman shows up with a vintage hardcover vanity case, like a door-to-door salesperson of yore. But this is no Avon calling or Fuller Brush dude.…

In self-isolation? Learn guitar!

Local musician Will Ross goes remote for lessons

Like many creative people grappling with COVID-19 upheaval, when Will Ross’ gigs were all cancelled, he turned to the internet. The Squamish musician—who often performs in Whistler—had long taught a select handful of students guitar lessons to supplement his income, but with no concerts in his foreseeable future, he decided to add more—virtually.…

Whistler Blackcomb closes mountain to uphill skiing and riding

Single route to Garibaldi Provincial Park still open

Whistler Blackcomb (WB) is now closed to uphill skiing and splitboarding. A single route accessing Garibaldi Provincial Park remains open along Singing Pass, but it could close as well if the provincial government shuts down the park, according to WB’s website.…

B.C. health officials can over-ride privacy laws, caution urged

‘The lines delineating legal from non-legal are shifting quickly’

B.C. privacy laws on sharing health data were relaxed March 26 as Minister of Citizens Services Anna Kang ordered that people’s health information might be shared with others inside and outside of Canada. And, it’s an issue civil liberties groups such as the B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) as well as B.C.’s privacy commissioner are watching carefully.…

911 swamped with virus calls; non-urgent inquiries should go to 811

B.C. paramedics are reporting that 75 per cent of recent calls to 911 ambulance dispatch are related to suspicions of COVID-19 or other influenza-type symptoms. They urge citizens to call 911 only if they are in distress or experiencing an emergency that may require immediate care and attention.…

Vancouver firm proposes plan to build 1m ventilators in 90 days

The Emergency Ventilator Project’s design—which got underway March 19—consists of only 41 components.

The design of the Pantheon ventilator consists of 41 components and is much less complex than traditional systems | submitted Vancouver firm proposes plan to build 1m ventilators in 90 days…

B.C. Search and Rescue Association asks public to take extra precautions outdoors

Maintain physical distance and be prepared, organization warns

The B.C. Search and Rescue Association (BCSAR) and Emergency Management B.C. are asking the public to be extra cautious when heading into the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, March 27, the organizations issued a joint message urging people to maintain physical distancing in the outdoors and ensure they’re prepared so they don’t get lost or injured.…

UBC profs suggest stuck-at-home reading list

Books can be obtained from libraries online or bought through outlets

With many people housebound and looking for things to do, professors from UBC’s English and creative writing departments have put together some reading lists. And, one of the wonders of modern technology means you don’t have to leave home to get them either.…