novel coronavirus
Highly mutated COVID virus variant BA.2.86 showing up in multiple countries
Handful of cases from Israel, Denmark, U.S., U.K.; none yet in Canada A highly mutated variant of the virus behind COVID-19 has popped up in multiple countries, but scientists aren’t yet sure whether it will help fuel a fall wave of infections or simply fizzle out. BA.2.86 was deemed a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization on Aug. 17. Though only a handful of samples exist, its emergence across several continents since it was first identified in late July, coupled with its unusually high number of mutations, has put COVID watchersRead more
Canada’s top court refuses appeal from B.C. churches protesting COVID-19 restrictions
Decision marks end of legal road for faith leaders 2½ years after they first challenged limits on gatherings Canada’s highest court will not hear an appeal that challenged limits on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant endorsement for British Columbia’s provincial health officer and the end of the legal road for the faith leaders involved. The Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the case from churches in B.C.’s Fraser Valley that argued public health rules violated their Charter rights by banning indoor religious services during the height of the pandemic. “We areRead more