Vital updates:
- Pfizer and BioNTech have announced their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, against SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated evidence of efficacy against COVID-19 in participants without prior evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on the first interim efficacy analysis conducted on November 8, 2020 by an external, independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) from the Phase 3 clinical study. The vaccine candidate was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis. Submission for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planned for soon after the required safety milestone is achieved, which is currently expected to occur in the third week of November. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the development ‘encouraging’ and stated that the government has already secured millions of doses, which it hopes to begin distributing in the first three months of 2021. Trudeau said that while Pfizer’s results are promising, Canadians must continue to adhere to public health guidelines to keep caseloads manageable.
- Today, Niagara Region Public Health launched the COVID-19 Community Health Survey. Through this confidential web-based survey, Public Health hopes to gain an understanding of the impact that COVID-19 is having on Niagara residents and use that information to help inform ongoing response plans, programs, and services. Residents can participate in the survey and share their thoughts for the chance to win a Walmart gift card. The survey is also available on Public Health’s website.
- Deloitte’s flagship conference is going virtual. Join 360 by Deloitte on November 17-18, and 19 for a uniquely interactive event focused on the insights from Catalyst: A vision for a thriving Canada in 2030 and network with public and private sector executives from all over Canada. There is no cost to attend. Contact Deloitte to learn more at d360@deloitte.ca.
- Deloitte’s Future of Canada Centre is excited to launch the first in a series of Catalyst reports. This report aims to spark debate and facilitate a dialogue about the actions needed to stop our economy from settling back into its anemic pre-pandemic path. By encouraging action now, we can instead create a better Canadian society for all by 2030.
Reading recommendations:
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Will COVID-19 kill Christmas? Sophia Harris, CBC News
- According to Deloitte Canada’s annual holiday retail spending survey, which polled 1,000 Canadians in September, respondents said they expected to spend an average of $1,405 during the holidays — down 18 per cent from the previous year.
- What has Pfizer’s Covid vaccine trial found and is this a breakthrough? Nicola Davis, The Guardian
- Most experts agree that the results are exciting and excellent news, but the optimism should come with a note of caution: the results are preliminary, have been shared only by press release, and the trials are not yet complete. There are certainly still many questions that need to be answered, including how long protection via the vaccine might last, whether it protects those who have previously had coronavirus, and whether it prevents people from catching the virus and passing it on or simply reduces the severity of symptoms.
Niagara Economic Summit Series 2020
Where are we now, how did we get here, and where do we go? This year’s summit, taking place between November 10 and November 24, brings experts and leaders together from across the country to identify where we are economically, what our future opportunities are, and how we can seize them. Find out more and get a calendar save-the-date here.
If you are showing symptoms, contact your health care provider, call the Public Health Info-Line at 905-688-8248, or chat to Public Health online. For testing, call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19) for information on test centres in Niagara and to book an appointment.
Previous updates can be accessed here.
The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.
