Global National: Dec. 15, 2021 | Ottawa urges Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel

As Omicron cases surge, the federal government now says Canadians should avoid all non-essential international travel. Abigail Bimman looks at how the advisory is set to shake up people's holiday plans and what it could mean for travel insurance.

Medical experts also warn that having two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you against the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Jamie Mauracher reports on the evolving advice about getting a booster shot and how people are being told to avoid large gatherings during this holiday season.

But Alberta is officially easing some COVID-19 restrictions ahead of the holidays, to allow more families and friends to get together. Heather Yourex-West explains how the measures won't be as lax as some Albertans were hoping for.

Meanwhile, with cases of the more contagious variant spiking in the United Kingdom, concerns are rising that hospitals will be overwhelmed again. Crystal Goomansingh looks at how the country is trying to respond to what's being called "the most significant threat since COVID began."

Many Canadians already feel like home prices have hit the roof, so how much more expensive could it get? Anne Gaviola looks at real estate firm Royal LePage's predictions for 2022.

Plus, the federal Conservatives say they believe their 2021 federal election campaign was targeted by foreign governments trying to influence the outcome. As David Akin reports, China's government is being accused of spreading disinformation against Tory candidates, due to their hardline stance on Beijing.

And for decades, scientists have long wanted to study the sun up close. Now their far-fetched idea has become a reality, thanks to NASA's Parker Space probe, which has entered the solar atmosphere, going where no spacecraft has gone before. Mike Drolet looks at the many questions they hope will be answered.

#coronavirus #COVID19 #GlobalNews

[herbwhite]

Yep. So I wonder how many of our politicians, including Justin and his family, will be traveling abroad in spite of their own counsel. More than we'll ever know.

[francomonno]

This is there last push and it's not working out so well. Not very many listening any more

[currently]

"The way out of Delta was to get your second, the way out of Omicron is to get your third, the way out of the next varient will be to get your fourth, the way out of the one after that will be to get your fifth, and to get out of the one after that will be..."
It will not stop until you start to say no.

[HughMungus]

It's not about our health, its about control.

[HemiJB]

The vaccinated brought omicron here. But the unvax still get blamed

[christopherbalmer]

I will never go back into healthcare with the way they treated me during my tenure.

[matthewbarr]

I'm not getting the booster, I'm good with my 2 shots. I'm just going to live my life without caring. If I die, oh well, I wouldn't say this life is worth living anyway.

[Themiddleman]

Justin Trudeau telling people not to travel makes me laugh so hard I cry uncontrollably. This guy's been on Expedia politician edition this entire time 🤣

[natural-knowhowcertifiedea]

Everyone one in Healthcare is needed, except the unvaccinated that were tossed aside. Lol wow

[justworkingfortheweekend]

It's Merry Christmas not happy holidays

[joannepoulin]

Omicron is mild, so why are you putting fear in everyone.

[HughMungus]

Everybody's arms are gonna look like a pin cushion with so many jabs

[waynekarnold]

And next week Trudeau will go to the bahamas

[joannepoulin]

Omicron is very mild, so what’s up now

[mrbill]

Didn't Trudeau just take 800 people to Ireland and have an unmasked climate conference?

[kittyfan]

in largely unvaxxed South Africa, Omicron had phenomenally rapid spread and the ICU's weren't overwhelmed at all.

[markreyes]

wid omicron now, cases in my country Philippines and even in nigeria is lower more than ever🤔

[christopherbalmer]

People are going to go after government if this keeps pushing people into desperation, watch them start to beg the public when their bottom line starts to suffer. Mark my words they are not for you but for their own. We are not members of their little secret clubhouse.

[joannepoulin]

The government does not seem to like me right now.

[hebber]

I haven't broken any law and I'm not allowed to travel or leave the country I was born in.