National

Travellers nervous, but pushing ahead with plans

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Dec, 2021 11:00 AM

TORONTO - Some travellers heading out of Canada say they're worried about surging COVID-19 cases, but are forging ahead with their plans despite the federal government warning against non-essential international travel.

Sanjay Mahar says he is heading to India from Toronto to see his family for the first time in years, having booked the trip a few months ago when case counts were low and vaccination rates high.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to avoid international travel as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has caused cases to spike in recent days.

Mahar says he was upset at the advisory and says it was so last-minute for him that he decided to go see his family anyway, especially his father whose health is poor.

He briefly looked into cancelling his trip, but said it was unclear if he'd be able to get any of his money back.

Jennifer Johnson says she's flying to Boston to see her daughter so they could be together for the holidays.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. braces for more rain, snow and strong winds

Winter storm, snowfall and wind warnings are in effect across coastal and southern British Columbia, including areas affected by flooding last month. Environment Canada says rain in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley would intensify Friday night before easing, with up to 60 millimetres expected along with strong winds.

B.C. braces for more rain, snow and strong winds

B.C. dairy farmers face uncertain future: industry

As farmers clean up after a series of storms hit southern British Columbia, an industry official and operator say some will be forced to leave the industry as costs pile up. A series of "atmospheric rivers" in mid-November forced thousands from their homes and left at least four people dead.

B.C. dairy farmers face uncertain future: industry

October deadliest month for overdose deaths

The 1,782 suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths between January and October 2021 are the highest ever recorded in a calendar year, and the number of deaths in October equates to about 6.5 lives lost per day.

October deadliest month for overdose deaths

341 COVID19 cases for Thursday

There are currently 2,915 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 216,185 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 220 individuals are currently in hospital and 73 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

341 COVID19 cases for Thursday

Drunk driver crashes into parked vehicles and fire hydrant, Burnaby RCMP release frightening video

The video shows the driver crossing the centre line towards oncoming traffic multiple times, narrowly missing other vehicles. The video also shows the driver blowing through a stop sign and driving through a red light.

Drunk driver crashes into parked vehicles and fire hydrant, Burnaby RCMP release frightening video

Freeland urges MPs to quickly pass aid bill

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the need for MPs to approve a new round of pandemic aid has become more important amid fears related to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Speaking to the House of Commons finance committee, Freeland says the variant has injected renewed uncertainty into the economy, in arguing for the government's latest benefits package.