2021 was a year in which we lost 3.5 million people to COVID-19 – more deaths than from HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined in 2020.
WHO issued updated guidance for health workers, recommending the use of either a respirator or a medical mask.
Only half of WHO’s Member States have been able to reach the target of vaccinating 40% of their populations by the end of the year.
Today, COVAX shipped its 800 millionth vaccine dose. Half of those doses have been shipped in the past three months.
SAGE expressed concern that blanket booster programmes will exacerbate vaccine inequity.
WHO is working to identify the next generation of vaccines through the Solidarity Trial Vaccines. The trial includes two vaccines, three others will be included shortly.

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The provincial health officer is implementing additional measures to address rising COVID-19 case counts that could result in increased hospitalizations and critical care admissions and the potential to overstress the health-care system.

Revised provincial health officer orders will take effect on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

The restrictions will extend to Jan. 18, 2022, at 11:59 p.m., and include:

no organized indoor social events and gatherings of any size;
concerts, sports games and theatres reduced to 50% seated capacity, regardless of venue size;
closing gyms, fitness centres and dance studios;
closing bars and nightclubs; and
limiting table sizes at restaurants, cafes and pubs to a maximum of six people per table with physical distancing or barriers.

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Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation for an announcement related to supporting restaurants in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's provincial health officer, and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix provide an update on the COVID-19 situation in the province amid a surge in cases and the spread of the Omicron variant in B.C. Dr. Henry announces revisions to public-health orders currently in place. The new measures include limiting the number of people allowed at indoor personal gatherings, imposing a 50-per-cent capacity limit for venues that can accommodate more than 1,000 people, and expanding vaccine passport requirements to organized events of all sizes. The measures will be in place from December 20, 2021, until January 31, 2022.

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Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries; Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; and officials for a briefing on the Coquihalla Highway progress and an update on flood recovery.

Livestream with a sign language interpreter available on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincial...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BCGovNews?s=20
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Province...

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United Nations press Breifing

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Briefing by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, on security in the context of terrorism and climate change during Security Council meeting. Secretary-General António Guterres today (9 Dec) told the Security Council that “often, the regions most vulnerable to climate change also suffer from insecurity, poverty, weak governance and the scourge of terrorism.” Noting that eight out of 15 countries most exposed to climate risks, eight host a UN peacekeeping mission or special political mission, Guterres said, “the effects of climate are superimposed on conflicts and exacerbate fragilities” and thereby “fuels grievances and mistrust of power.” He said, “when the loss of livelihoods leaves people in despair, it makes more attractive the promises of protection, income and justice behind which terrorist groups sometimes hide their designs

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On Parliament Hill, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that Canada will not send diplomatic representatives to the winter Olympics in Beijing due to concerns over China’s human rights record. Canada joins the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom in the diplomatic boycott. Following the prime minister’s statement, federal cabinet ministers Mélanie Joly (foreign affairs) and Pascale St-Onge (sport) take questions from reporters.

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Drivers can expect overnight delays between Prince Rupert and Chetwynd from Dec. 9-13, 2021.

During this time, large commercial vehicles will transport oversized cargo that requires a full closure on sections of the highway. This ensures the safe transport of cargo and the safety of motorists.

All closures are scheduled during times of expected low traffic volumes to reduce the impact on travellers

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Washington D.C., 8 December 2021 (PAHO/WHO) – With 20 countries yet to reach the WHO’s year-end vaccination target of 40%, and the Omicron variant now detected in six countries in the region, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Carissa F. Etienne said that accelerating access to vaccines will be key to protecting populations, particularly the most vulnerable.

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