Ottawa, Oct 6 (IANS) Canada has confirmed 1,406 cases of monkeypox, including 38 hospitalisations, the Public Health Agency of Canada said.
Of the confirmed cases, 674 are from Ontario, 521 from Quebec, 162 from British Columbia, 41 from Alberta, three from Saskatchewan, two from the Yukon and one each from Nova Scotia, Manitoba and New Brunswick, the health agency added on Wednesday.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) recommended in an updated guidance document that those at highest risk should receive the two doses "when vaccine supply is adequate".
The rollout of second doses in Canada is starting this week. The second dose, only for people who do not have symptoms, can be administered 28 days after the first, Xinhua news agency reported.
Monkeypox is a viral disease that can spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person, including through hugs, kisses, massages or sexual intercourse, according to experts.
The Provincial Health Services Authority says those who received their first dose at least 28 days ago are eligible to make appointments for their second, as part of a two-dose series approved by Health Canada. More than 19,000 doses of Imvamune have been administered to those most at risk of contracting the virus in B.C.
The victim, a 29-year-old woman, had just entered the lobby of her apartment building, near Davie and Howe Street, when she was followed into the building by a 19-year-old man shortly after 6 p.m. The suspect grabbed her, threw her to the ground, and assaulted her.
Two men were discovered suffering from gunshot wounds. One was transported to hospital while the other was pronounced deceased. While it is still early in this investigation, this incident appears to be targeted.
The group of provincial and state leaders have written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden to argue that curtailed hours at border crossings are hurting the economy. The letter is signed by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, as well as Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
MPs today are debating the government's legislation to create an annual $650 dental benefit for low- and middle-income families for every child under the age of 12. The bill also gives low-income renters a one-time payment of $500.
The seven-week fall sitting started Monday with the swearing-in of Liberal Elenore Sturko, who was elected last month in the Surrey South byelection. Legislature clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd told those gathered for the swearing-in ceremony that Sturko is the first elected official in Canada to pledge allegiance to King Charles since the recent death of the queen.
