COVID-19

Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Grand Forks fire dept. scraps open house amid high COVID-19 counts

The department suspended weekly training exercises after cases spiked last week

 

People opposed to vaccinations and masking entered schools in and around Salmon Arm on Sept. 17 They also recently protested at the School District 83 office. (Martha Wickett/Salmon Arm Observer)

‘Unacceptable’: Protesters enter Shuswap schools, forcing hold and secure procedures

Teacher said he didn’t feel safe for students or staff

 

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces new COVID-19 measures for Alberta in Calgary, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta introduces new rules, passport as COVID puts health system days from collapse

Alberta has more than 18,000 active COVID-19 cases

 

The BC Centre for Disease’s Control’s latest COVID-19 map shows new cases reported in each local health area between Sept. 5-11.

COVID-19 cases plummet across West Boundary, Kootenays

The latest numbers from the BC CDC offer hope that the 4th wave may be cresting in both regions

The BC Centre for Disease’s Control’s latest COVID-19 map shows new cases reported in each local health area between Sept. 5-11.
Branch 059 member Judy Pitcher (left) and Poppy Chairperson Sandra Doody hold up Remembrance Day signs outside the Grand Forks Royal Canadian Legion Wednesday, Sept. 15. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Grand Forks Legion raising money for veterans

Branch 059 is meanwhile hoping for a full Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11

Branch 059 member Judy Pitcher (left) and Poppy Chairperson Sandra Doody hold up Remembrance Day signs outside the Grand Forks Royal Canadian Legion Wednesday, Sept. 15. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
File photo.

Grand Forks RCMP to address Vaccine Cards as required, says Sgt. Peppler

Proof of vaccination is required for non-essential services as of Monday, Sept. 13

File photo.
Photo: Sheri Regnier

UPDATE: Interior Health confirms Trail hospital COVID outbreak is in psychiatric unit

This is the first time the hospital in Trail has been included on Interior Health’s outbreak list

Photo: Sheri Regnier
A Grand Forks Fire/Rescue engine waits outside Hardy View Lodge after the two cottages flooded during June’s heat dome. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

COVID-19 outbreak deepens at Grand Forks’ Hardy View Lodge

Active cases doubled over the weekend, according to updates from Interior Health

A Grand Forks Fire/Rescue engine waits outside Hardy View Lodge after the two cottages flooded during June’s heat dome. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, puts on her protective mask after releasing details about a COVID-19 vaccination card that will be needed by anyone wanting to eat in restaurants, visit theatres or go to other events. She made the announcement at a news conference at the B.C. legislature in Victoria on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Restrictions eased for Interior businesses following vax card program

Liquor service again allowed after 10 p.m. in the Central Okanagan

Provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, puts on her protective mask after releasing details about a COVID-19 vaccination card that will be needed by anyone wanting to eat in restaurants, visit theatres or go to other events. She made the announcement at a news conference at the B.C. legislature in Victoria on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
A Grand Forks Fire/Rescue engine arrives at a grass fire at City Park Thursday, Aug. 26. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Grand Forks’ fire department ramps down amid COVID-19 spike

Weekly practices suspended out of concern for members’ health, department

A Grand Forks Fire/Rescue engine arrives at a grass fire at City Park Thursday, Aug. 26. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
Health Minister Adrian Dix at a news conference in the rotunda at legislature in Victoria on Wednesday May 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Health minister says Kamloops ER waiting room death will be reviewed

Dix said he couldn’t comment on the death specifically, but promised a ‘full and comprehensive’ review

  • Sep 9, 2021
Health Minister Adrian Dix at a news conference in the rotunda at legislature in Victoria on Wednesday May 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Royal Inland Hospital is in downtown Kamloops, at Columbia Street and Third Avenue. (Dave Eagles/Kamloops This Week)

Patient’s death in Kamloops ER sitting area came amid marathon wait for treatment

Another ER patient claims nurse informed those waiting there was a severe staff shortage

  • Sep 9, 2021
Royal Inland Hospital is in downtown Kamloops, at Columbia Street and Third Avenue. (Dave Eagles/Kamloops This Week)
The BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BC CDC) latest COVID-19 map shows a rise in new cases in the West Kootenay in the week of Aug. 29 - Sept 4, compared to the previous week. New cases generally fell in the East Kootenay in the same period.

New COVID cases rise in West Kootenay, generally fall to the east

This week’s numbers were released by the BC CDC on Wednesday, Sept. 8

The BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BC CDC) latest COVID-19 map shows a rise in new cases in the West Kootenay in the week of Aug. 29 - Sept 4, compared to the previous week. New cases generally fell in the East Kootenay in the same period.
Anna Leksinska, pictured outside School District 51’s Grand Forks office Tuesday, Sept. 7, said she’s homeschooling her children this school year. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Protesters picket school district office in Grand Forks

Through Interior Health, local schools are offering COVID vaccine clinics

Anna Leksinska, pictured outside School District 51’s Grand Forks office Tuesday, Sept. 7, said she’s homeschooling her children this school year. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
Kids head back to school across the Boundary’s School District 51 Tuesday, Sept. 7. Photo: Laurie Tritschler

Back-to-school guidelines could be safer, says Boundary teachers’ union

Union President Norm Sabourin highlighted ministry’s lack of a vaccine mandate

Kids head back to school across the Boundary’s School District 51 Tuesday, Sept. 7. Photo: Laurie Tritschler
Two-time heart transplant recipient Robbie Thompson, seen here with the family dog, Oreo, explains why mass vaccinations are important for immuno-compromised people like himself. Photo supplied.

Two-time B.C. heart transplant recipient urges COVID vaccine opponents to reconsider

Vancouver Island man asks people to consider the greater good

Two-time heart transplant recipient Robbie Thompson, seen here with the family dog, Oreo, explains why mass vaccinations are important for immuno-compromised people like himself. Photo supplied.
Classrooms will soon be busy as children across B.C. go back to school, again with pandemic procedures in place. (Black Press Media files)

Back to school: Children with special needs are being put in harm’s way, says Autism BC

‘How can my child on the spectrum be safe if the protocols are not in place,’ asks worried parent

Classrooms will soon be busy as children across B.C. go back to school, again with pandemic procedures in place. (Black Press Media files)
Telus has joined several other big Canadian companies, including the major banks, in making it mandatory for workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (file photo)

Telus joins federal government, major banks in making COVID jabs mandatory for staffers

Telus workers not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Oct. 15 to be tested 2 times a week

Telus has joined several other big Canadian companies, including the major banks, in making it mandatory for workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (file photo)
A BCAA survey found 68 per cent of respondents believe school zone traffic will be more chaotic than usual this year. (Joti Grewal/Langley Advance Times)

Distracted parents in drop-off zones a top concern for back-to-school rush: BCAA

About 72 students are injured in school zones every year, according to the roadside assistance company

A BCAA survey found 68 per cent of respondents believe school zone traffic will be more chaotic than usual this year. (Joti Grewal/Langley Advance Times)
Black Press Media files

Kootenay teacher’s union questioning relaxed COVID protocols as school is set to begin

Kootenay Columbia Teachers’ Union wants to see last year’s rules back in place

Black Press Media files