Omicron COVID-19 variant concerning for Canadian food production, farm groups say
Global News
Production at dairy farms, greenhouses, and mushroom farms could be affected if large numbers of employees need to stay home sick from Omicron, farm groups say.
Farm groups say they’re fearful the highly contagious Omicron variant could severely stress Canadian food production.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture says the industry had a chronic labour shortage before the arrival of COVID-19.
Production at dairy farms, greenhouses, and mushroom farms could be affected if large numbers of employees need to stay home sick.
In 2020, outbreaks of COVID-19 at meat packing plants in Alberta sickened hundreds of workers and resulted in temporary plant shutdowns that left Western Canada’s beef slaughter capacity at about 25 per cent of normal.
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association president Bob Lowe says there have been no interruptions yet at meat plants this time around, but the industry is watching with fingers crossed.
Lowe says he hopes the move by some provinces to reduce isolation periods to five days for vaccinated, COVID-positive workers will reduce strain on the agriculture industry.
"Through this historic agreement, BC residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost."
Tiny lab mice just got a mammoth-sized upgrade — genetic tweaks have given them thick, woolly fur, bringing science one step closer to reviving traits of extinct species.
Ottawa says it's moving ahead with a plan to label so-called forever chemicals as toxic and expects to begin consultations in two years on further regulating their us.
Oscar Sort has tackled waste diversion by improving recycling rates and reducing operational costs at over 30 universities in North America.
The Alberta Energy Regulator is expected to make a decision on a proposal to explore for coal in the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains by early June.
Toronto Raptors guard-forward Gradey Dick will be out for at least two weeks with bone bruises, the team announced Tuesday.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
As measles cases continue to rise in Texas amid an ongoing outbreak, health officials are warning against so-called "measles parties," calling the practice dangerous.
Earthquakes Canada said the 4.1 magnitude quake on Monday morning was centred around 17 kilometres from Friday Harbour in Washington State.
Hot, dry weather and lack of snow has prompted the city of Lethbridge to issue a fire ban for the Old Man River valley.
After hundreds of Canadians fell ill at a Mexican resort, experts warn that contaminated food and water can lead to serious illnesses.