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Independent health groups urge BC to reinstate and improve healthcare mask protectionsDark blue, yellow and black graphic with an illustration of a person in an N95, fist raised, holding a sign that reads: Restore (and improve) masks in healthcare. Next to the DoNoHarm BC logo and a QR code, smaller text reads, Add your voice: DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Independent health groups urge BC to reinstate and improve healthcare mask protections

Published February 12, 2026

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Published by: DoNoHarm BC
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DoNoHarm BC and Protect Our Province BC warn of patient harm, staff shortages, and rising international risks

February 12, 2026 (British Columbia, Canada) – Independent public health groups in BC are calling on policy-makers to reinstate and improve mask requirements in medical settings. The call comes amidst multiple recent influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare, following a winter punctuated by “unprecedented” ER closures and staff shortages, as well as massive measles outbreaks and a prolonged COVID wave across the border.

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Chronically ill artists honour International Awareness Month for chronic neuro-immune diseasesAn artistic portrait in blue and purple hues shows a woman in side profile from the chest up. Her figure is partly hidden by thick, cloud-like haze, and her silhouette includes images of tall wild grass and evergreen trees. Overlaid text reads: “Opera Mariposa’s Benefit + Awareness Month for the ME | FM Society of BC. May 1–June 1, 2025. Enter to win $3K prizes for charity. benefit.operamariposa.com. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.” The image also includes two butterfly logos: a red one for Opera Mariposa, and a blue, purple, and teal one for the ME | FM Society of BC. Additional details note that the event is online, closed-captioned in English, self-paced, by donation and free to attend, with support up to $3,000 being triple matched.
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Chronically ill artists honour International Awareness Month for chronic neuro-immune diseases

Published April 30, 2025

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Published by: Opera Mariposa
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Vancouver’s Opera Mariposa presents month-long programme benefitting the ME | FM Society of BC

April 30, 2025 (Vancouver, BC) – This May, Canadian artists are rallying the community to support people with chronic and post-infectious illnesses. From May 1 to June 1, Vancouver’s Opera Mariposa is presenting their 2025 Benefit + Awareness Month: an all-digital charity extravaganza featuring art, prizes, and special programming benefiting the ME | FM Society of BC.

May is the International Awareness Month for chronic neuro-immune diseases, and Mariposa’s programming is created by and for people impacted by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME or ME/CFS), Long Covid, and Fibromyalgia. These complex multisystem illnesses affect millions of people across Canada – and that number is rising, given that they can be triggered by viruses, including COVID-19.

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Ontario School Safety Calls on Province for an Immediate Vaccine-PLUS Strategy to Tackle Current Measles OutbreakColourized transmission electron micrograph of a measles virus particle (red), with a blue background. Photo: CDC and NIAID. Licensed under Creative Commons CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Topic: OntarioView all posts for the topic: Ontario

Ontario School Safety Calls on Province for an Immediate Vaccine-PLUS Strategy to Tackle Current Measles Outbreak

Published April 24, 2025

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Published by: Ontario School Safety
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Toronto, Ontario – [April 24, 2025] – In an urgent appeal to protect the health and safety of Ontario’s students, education workers, and families, Ontario School Safety (OSS) has issued an open letter asking the Ontario Provincial Government and Public Health Ontario for an immediate vaccine-PLUS strategy, which includes the essential role of healthy indoor air, to curtail the spread of measles. This critical request comes in the wake of concerning measles infection rates – as of April 17th, 2025, Public Health Ontario is reporting 925 measles cases in the province, more than five times the number of cases than the total number of cases over the last 12 years. Encouraging a vaccine-only strategy is insufficient due to barriers to access, and because measles spreads not only through direct contact with secretions or contaminated surfaces, but through the air we breathe.

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BC patients, health advocates slam removal of healthcare mask protectionsOrange, yellow and black graphic with an illustration of a person in an N95, fist raised, holding a sign that reads: Keep (and improve) masks in healthcare. Next to the DoNoHarm BC logo and a QR code, smaller text reads, New tools and actions: www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

BC patients, health advocates slam removal of healthcare mask protections

Published March 31, 2025

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Published by: DoNoHarm BC
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DoNoHarm BC, Protect Our Province BC and the Canadian Covid Society warn the province’s decision endangers patients, healthcare workers, and the healthcare system

March 31, 2025 (British Columbia) – BC patients and health advocates are speaking out against the provincial government’s decision to drop healthcare mask requirements, at a time when there are multiple illness outbreaks in medical settings. Public health groups DoNoHarm BC, Protect Our Province BC, and the Canadian Covid Society warn that the move endangers vulnerable patients and frontline workers, while harming the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of BC’s healthcare system.

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International Long COVID Awareness Day 2025Image of Ottawa sign with teal-coloured letters, with text in white reading: International Long COVID Awareness Day. Teal, grey and black symbol of International Long COVID Awareness Day.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

International Long COVID Awareness Day 2025

Published March 12, 2025

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International Long COVID Awareness Day – COVID-cautious walk

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time: 7 pm – 8 pm

Where: Ottawa City Hall (meet at the entrance, Laurier Avenue side)

Join us for a walk on International Long COVID Awareness Day, Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 7 pm. The route is wheelchair-accessible.

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Advocates Urge BC to Reinstate Healthcare Mask Protections Amid Rising RisksBold yellow and charcoal graphic with an illustration of a person in an N95, fist raised, holding a sign that reads: There is no acceptable level of avoidable healthcare infections. WE NEED MASKS IN HEALTHCARE. Next to the DoNoHarm BC logo and a QR code, smaller text reads, Add your voice today: www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Advocates Urge BC to Reinstate Healthcare Mask Protections Amid Rising Risks

Published December 10, 2024

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Published by: DoNoHarm BC
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DoNoHarm BC, Protect Our Province BC and the Canadian Covid Society warn of infection risks in healthcare

December 10, 2024 (British Columbia, Canada) – Advocacy groups in BC are calling on policy-makers to immediately reinstate healthcare mask requirements. The call comes as BC faces severe risks from COVID-19, a rise in “walking pneumonia,” local measles warnings, and Canada’s first human case of H5N1 avian influenza – which health officials warn could potentially turn into another pandemic.

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Local groups join forces for Vancouver’s second annual Clean Air FestivalLight blue illustrated image with clouds. Text reads, the second annual Clean Air Festival! (The “R” in Air has cartoon eyes and is wearing a mask). A Covid-safer hybrid event.
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Local groups join forces for Vancouver’s second annual Clean Air Festival

Published August 22, 2024

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Published by: Clean Air Festival
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Event spotlights clean air, community care, and award-winning talent

August 22, 2024 (Vancouver, BC) – On September 15, 2024, a coalition of community groups will present Vancouver’s second annual Clean Air Festival. From 1-6:30 pm, Clean Air 604, Clean Air in BC Schools, DoNoHarm BC, Masks 4 East Van, Millions Missing BC, Protect Our Province BC, SolidAIRity GVRD, Safe Schools Coalition BC, Spring Vancouver, and Vancouver Still Cares will join forces to present a COVID-safer, immuno-inclusive hybrid event, taking place in-person at Slocan Park and digitally via livestream and recording.

The event features a DIY air purifier-building workshop, tabling, children’s games and activities from 1:00 pm, with a stage magic performance at 3:45 pm and an outdoor concert from 4:30 pm. Masks, rapid tests, zines and DIY fit test kits will be available while supplies last. Air purifiers from the workshop will be donated to schools via Clean Air in BC Schools, and to vulnerable community members via Masks 4 East Van.

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BC health advocates call on government to reinstate healthcare mask requirementsA white N95 mask with yellow head straps against an orange gradient background. White text reads, Vulnerability isn’t seasonal. #KeepMasksInHealthcare. Let’s get loud! www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

BC health advocates call on government to reinstate healthcare mask requirements

Published April 25, 2024

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Published by: DoNoHarm BC
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Protect Our Province BC, DoNoHarm BC, and Masks4EastVan highlight harms and human rights violations from loss of healthcare safety

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 (British Columbia) – Independent public health groups Protect Our Province BC, DoNoHarm BC, and Masks4EastVan are calling on the BC government to restore healthcare mask requirements. They are urging British Columbians to call for airborne pathogen protections in clinical settings by joining DoNoHarm BC’s campaign.

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“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcareTwo adults in N95 masks against a light blue background, one with long dark hair, assisting an elder with white hair using a walker. Black text reads, Vulnerability Isn’t Seasonal. #KeepMasksInHealthcare. Have your say by April 1, 2024. www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcare

Published March 14, 2024

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Published by: DoNoHarm BC
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Vulnerable British Columbians call for continued protections from COVID-19, measles, and other airborne diseases

March 14, 2024 (British Columbia) – DoNoHarm BC, a grassroots group advocating for evidence-based public health measures, is leading a province-wide campaign to keep mask protections in BC medical settings. The campaign, “Vulnerability Isn’t Seasonal”, also calls to strengthen infection control with patient masking; wider use of N95 masks; and coverage in private practices like GP’s offices.

BC currently requires masks in hospitals and long-term care for staff, contractors, visitors and volunteers – but not for patients. While policy-makers have only guaranteed this measure for a “few months” over the winter, DoNoHarm BC notes that the last time BC discarded healthcare masking, multiple medical facilities suffered COVID outbreaks. At the time, removal of healthcare masking contradicted guidance from the World Health Organization, and prompted BC’s Human Rights Commissioner to state that the move “does not uphold a human rights centered approach to public health.”

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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2024‑02‑15Photo of Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Ottawa River in Ottawa. There is snow on the ground and part of the river is covered with snow and ice. It’s a sunny day, with a blue sky.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2024‑02‑15

Published February 15, 2024

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📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa is very high. The signal has decreased substantially since a peak around January 12, 2024. Levels are still about 1,050% higher than the value during a low point on July 12, 2023. The signal has increased during the first week of February 2024.

⚠️ The percent positivity is high (9.39% in Ottawa; 12.0% in the Outaouais).

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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑20Photo of Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Ottawa River in Ottawa. There is snow on the ground and part of the river is covered with snow and ice. It’s a sunny day, with a blue sky.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑20

Published December 20, 2023

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📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa has increased substantially (+1,735%) since a low on July 12, 2023. It is extremely high.

⚠️ The percent positivity is extremely high (16.27% in Ottawa; 27.2% in the Outaouais).

🏥 Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals: 158 ( decrease of 6).

In 2023, there have been 131 COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa’s hospitals so far, leading to 21 deaths and 1,061 known cases of COVID-19.

Continue readingOttawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑20
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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑13Photo of Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Ottawa River in Ottawa. There is snow on the ground and part of the river is covered with snow and ice. It’s a sunny day, with a blue sky.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑13

Published December 13, 2023

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📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa has increased substantially (+2,069%) since a low on July 12, 2023. It is extremely high.

⚠️ The 7-day average of percent positivity is extremely high (19.28%).

🏥 Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals: 164 ( increase of 8).

In 2023, there have been 129 COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa’s hospitals so far, leading to 20 deaths and 1,027 known cases of COVID-19.

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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑06Photo of Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Ottawa River in Ottawa. There is snow on the ground and part of the river is covered with snow and ice. It’s a sunny day, with a blue sky.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑12‑06

Published December 6, 2023

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📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa has increased substantially (+1,916%) since a low on July 12, 2023. It is extremely high.

⚠️ The 7-day average of percent positivity is extremely high (17.74%).

🏥 Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals: 156 ( decrease of 4).

In 2023, there have been 124 COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa’s hospitals so far, leading to 18 deaths and 995 known cases of COVID-19.

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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑29Photo of Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and the Ottawa River in Ottawa. There is snow on the ground and part of the river is covered with snow and ice. It’s a sunny day, with a blue sky.

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑29

Published November 29, 2023

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa has increased substantially (+1,826%) since a low on July 12, 2023. It is extremely high.

⚠️ The 7-day average of percent positivity is extremely high (19.94%).

🏥 Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals: 160 ( decrease of 43).

In 2023, there have been 114 COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa’s hospitals so far, leading to 18 deaths and 953 known cases of COVID-19.

Continue readingOttawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑29
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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑22View of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and buildings in downtown Ottawa.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑22

Published November 22, 2023

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📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa has increased substantially (+1,684%) since a low on July 12, 2023.

⚠️ The 7-day average of percent positivity is extremely high (17.23%).

🏥 Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals: 203 ( increase of 25).

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 105 COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa’s hospitals, leading to 15 deaths and 865 known cases of COVID-19.

Continue readingOttawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑22
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Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑15View of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and buildings in downtown Ottawa.
Topic: Ottawa-GatineauView all posts for the topic: Ottawa-Gatineau

Ottawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑15

Published November 15, 2023

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

📈 The COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa has increased substantially (+1,246%) since a low on July 12, 2023.

⚠️ The 7-day average of percent positivity is extremely high (18.74%).

🏥 Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals: 178 ( increase of 65).

Since September 1, 2023, there have been 37 COVID-19 outbreaks at Ottawa’s hospitals, leading to three recent deaths and 314 known cases of COVID-19.

Continue readingOttawa-Gatineau community update | 2023‑11‑15
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