Despite protests raging in Canada, the country is managing Covid better than the US, data shows.
Images of Canada's paralysed capital and of pandemic-rules protests have thrust the country's Covid response under the spotlight.
So what is going on, and why might Canada's experience be different to that of the US so far? And amid mounting public pressure to relax restrictions, will Canada be able to keep a lid on the pandemic going forward?The proportion of daily new confirmed Covid cases has been lower in Canada than the US throughout most of the pandemic.
The total death toll of the pandemic in the US stands at about 919,000, compared to 35,500 in Canada, according to Johns Hopkins University. Far more Americans were ending up in intensive care as well. Last month during the Omicron wave, the number peaked at nearly 79 per million when Canada's was 32 per million.
But the federal government still has jurisdiction on issues such as vaccine passports for domestic travel, vaccination requirements for federal employees or cross-border truckers. The latter was what initially prompted the protests. Now, provincial governments across Canada are beginning to ease restrictions. Last week, Alberta ended its proof-of-vaccination system and plans to soon drop mask requirements for students in schools. Children under 12 will not be required to wear masks anywhere.
"We have a lot of outspoken physicians and scientists in all the provinces that are keeping an eye on these policies to make sure they are not egregious or dangerous," he said. "There's still a science and political divide."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canada-US border bridge reopens after Covid-19 protestsThe crossing normally carries 25 percent of all trade between the two countries, and the blockade on the Canadian side had disrupted business in both countries, with automakers forced to shut down several assembly plants.
Read more »
U.S. urges Canada to use federal powers to end bridge blockade protesting Covid restrictionsFor the fourth straight day, scores of truckers taking part in what they dubbed the Freedom Convoy have blocked the Ambassador Bridge connecting Ontario to Detroit.
Read more »
Canada protests sound common COVID refrain: ‘We stand for freedom’The in-your-face protests that have fueled frustrations around the country and world have been aided by publicity and support from far-right and anti-vaccine groups.
Read more »
Covid: Protests in Canada and France, and end of self-isolation a 'step too far'Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Sunday morning.
Read more »
Covid-19 news: US and UK delay next decisions on child vaccinationsThe latest coronavirus news updated every day including coronavirus cases, the latest news, features and interviews from New Scientist and essential information about the covid-19 pandemic
Read more »
Moderna, Pfizer Stocks Fall as Omicron Covid Wave Subsides in U.S.Moderna dropped more than 12%, the biggest decline in the S&P 500 as of Monday afternoon.
Read more »