Newswire

A network of laboratories across Canada is studying mutations in the genetic footprint of COVID-19 to track patterns of transmission across the country and internationally.  Led by the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory, along with Genome Canada, the research is working to identify as many genetic sequences as possible.  The goal is to understand…

A Saskatchewan university student is trying to help teenagers them cope with isolation, stress and other mental health problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  "We're just seeing a lot of uncertainty and really no where to turn," Alexis Epp said.  Epp is studying youth care work at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She's the co-creator of the online network…

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says long-term care residents, patients in critical care and ICU patients will now be able to have more visitors. SHA restricted visitors beginning March 14 due to concerns over COVID-19 transmission. The restrictions were expanded to all SHA facilities on April 23, with exceptions for those visiting for compassionate reasons. "We worked hard…

Eleanor Widdowson made a pointed call for transparency from the Saskatchewan government after her sister died from the novel coronavirus in March. "Don't hide shit."  Saskatchewan refuses to reveal communities where COVID-19 has been detected unless there is an outbreak declared. Widdowson said that more knowledge might have protected her…

TORONTO -- After a person has developed antibodies against COVID-19, how long does that immunity last? That is one of the crucial questions that a new study led by Toronto researchers is hoping to answer. By testing the blood of more than 10,000 Canadians for antibodies, which are developed after a person is exposed to the virus to fight it off, the Action to Beat Coronavirus study is hoping…