Global National: Dec. 13, 2020 | First doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrive in Canada

Today is the day the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are slated to arrive in Canada A pivotal point in this pandemic. The first batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, 30,000 doses, will be divided between 14 distribution sites across the country. Each jurisdiction has decided who will get the vaccine first, which includes frontline health-care workers and long-term care residents. Shots could be administered as early as Monday. It’s what everyone has been waiting for, but some provinces are still struggling to bring down the number of new infections.

Alberta recorded its deadliest day of the pandemic with 22 lives lost and more than 1,700 new infections reported in that province. Alberta has more than a quarter of Canada’s active cases despite having only 12 per cent of the country’s population. And that has forced the government to implement new restrictions. As Heather Yourex-West explains, hospitals can still expect an increasing number of patients and families can expect to see more loved ones die.

Ontario is set to begin its first round of COVID-19 vaccinations on Tuesday, but there are still not enough doses to go around to everyone. It will be months before the true scope of this national vaccination plan will be realized. That has health experts and politicians warning Canadians not to let their guard down. Morganne Campbell reports.

The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in the U.S. rolled out of a plant in Michigan this morning headed to healthcare workers across the country, but it could be months before they’re all vaccinated. The numbers in the U.S. are overwhelming with an average of 208,000 cases per day over the past week. As Jennifer Johnson reports, Operation Warp Speed can’t move fast enough.

Besides COVID-19, Alberta has the highest rate of syphilis in Canada. Now researchers at the University of Alberta are trying a strategy, it’s a two-for-one test that also looks for HIV. As Su-Ling Goh reports, the results only take five minutes so the patient can get treatment sooner.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is feeling cut off. There are no commercial flights going to or from the island. The region is home to a major university and 60 per cent of its student population comes from abroad. Tonight, there are concerns that number will take a nose dive to a lack of air transportation. Ross Lord reports.

Despite the introduction of COVID-19 rapid tests at some airports and the prospects of vaccines, air travel is still floundering. Airlines say they will lose $200 billion in 2020 and 2021. Business travel is a key component of the losses. Microsoft founder Bill Gates predicts corporate travel will never return to pre-pandemic levels. Redmond Shannon explains how that could make air travel more expensive for all of us.

Many businesses are getting hit hard in the pandemic, especially in what should be a lucrative holiday season. But the Christmas tree season is somehow booming across North America. It’s performing so well that it’s outperforming last year’s numbers. So what’s behind the growing demand? Mike Drolet explains.

#COVID #GlobalNews #COVIDVaccine

[vexpressivo]

I can't believe this is on the news, "former prime minister hospitalized while vacationing in Florida where they spend many winters" in a time of discouraged non essential travel to Canadians n he is a vulnerable age group? Am I the only one seeing smthn wrong?

[teashdrinks]

When will we get a report on this years suicide and drug overdoses statistics compared to last year? 🤔

[ክላሲካል]

This is not an accident when you read this. I want you to know that EVERYTHING GONNA BE ALRIGHT.Blessings upon blessings come to you daily. Everything you NEED is on its way! You are healthy. You are strong. Wealth is on its way!You are blessed beyond measure. You are loved. Accept this for this your TRUTH. I Bless YOU ALWAYS with every good that YOU deserve.

[Drambles]

To all the people thinking this vaccine will get society back to the way things were pre March 2020, you've got a BIG surprise coming in 2021...

[jbezmala]

Well this whole covid thing sure turned into Lord of the Flies real quick didn’t it.

[ryanhaynes]

What is a contact ? Someone you walk past or hangout with ? This country is going communist is disgusting

[mattysuk]

They are already saying you’ll need to be vaccinated every 1-2 years for the rest of your life. Enjoy.

[babbalonian]

Wait, , , we can travel to Florida? I thought the border was closed to travel. I had no idea, haven't had so much time off in my life. Booking for January, call me when its spring....oh and thanks Justin.

[justinbarton]

China: Hey Canada how does communism taste?
Canada: :O
China: more coming, get ready.

[edwardbliss]

A vaccine means I have to go back to a job I hate so take your time. I love you EI.

[happyandjenny]

The media was probably salivating waiting on the runway

[mywaythruit]

Anyone remember the Tamiflu vaccine and its neuropsychiatric events that followed in many cases?

[joshwhisky]

30% tax will really help the recovery of the most affected from the lockdowns.

[medot]

God so loved the world that he gave his son Jesus Christ what whosoever believes in him will not perish but will have everlasting life

[sleepsmartsmashstress]

Air travel more expensive for all of us? NG!

[ShyLuna]

How in the hell would it take up to February in America just to vaccinate just the health caretakers?! Nurses, Doctors are all in the same places, pick a date to have them all there, can’t be too difficult! Is America so damn unorganized?? Staying at home working might be cheaper for big businesses but it’s not going to be mentally healthy for people in the long run! I know this as someone that spends majority of my time at home on disability, you need somewhere to go daily to feel mentally healthy and good about yourself! Leaving your house for chores or meeting people just isn’t enough! We’re used to going to a job. I guess we’ll see?

[dakotamathews]

Why do she keep pointing out it will be months before everyone is vaccinated yes we know you can’t vaccinate the whole country in a week sometimes this news channel has to point out things that are so obvious it makes me feel like they think they are talking to someone who is 7

[ddiyana]

Whats really sad is that no media channel has even mentioned Africa, are they okay? Whats the pandemic like there? Do they need help? Its said that the last 9 months has been about america.

[Fancy]

Reminds me of the first flight bringing people from China that landed at CFB Trenton!

[dakotamathews]

Are those HIV tests not everywhere I SWEAR. Had the exact same test 11 years ago