Bonnie Henry

Canada's hardest-hit regions are further tightening COVID-19 lockdown measures with public health officials blaming holiday gatherings for surging infections and experts suggesting Quebec's clampdown may inspire more restrictions.

Thousands of workers who would normally return to their jobs at industrial projects in northern British Columbia after the holiday break are spending more time at home in an effort to ease the strain on the region's health-care system.

Ontario hit a record on Thursday, December 17, 2020, for new daily COVID-19 cases as hospitals urged a month-long lockdown, while tougher restrictions took effect in Saskatchewan, Alberta recorded its highest death toll and a vaccine maker said vials may yield more doses than expected.

A COVID-19 outbreak at a British Columbia mink farm likely spread from eight workers to some of the animals, says the province's chief veterinarian.

Community spread from social interactions and travel is driving COVID-19 case numbers to a worrying level on Vancouver Island and in other health regions beyond B.C.'s Lower Mainland, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says.

The country's chief public health officer urged Canadians on Wednesday to avoid non-essential outings, as cases continued to rise across the country and Ontario became the latest province to announce scaled-back holiday plans.

British Columbia is making it mandatory to wear masks in public spaces, while social interactions will be under new restrictions until Dec. 7 because of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Although Canada isn’t out of the woods with COVID-19, the country needs the building blocks for its economic recovery, the prime minister said.

"I have to say that the road to drug addiction, and dying on the street, is one that I’ve seen myself close to," said leadership contestant Amita Kuttner.

Hogg hopes the province will use its powers under the state of emergency to equalize delivery of medications to rural pharmacies to ensure adequate supply in the face of increased demand.

BC declares public health emergency and closes schools to deal with newest spike in COVID-19 cases, 12 of which are located on Vancouver Island. While Quadra Islanders struggle to adapt to the string of new measures