COVID-19 News from CJSR

The View From Where The View from Where is an exhibit at the UofA FAB Gallery Second floor, running until November 5.  Artist alissa rossi uses her experience of the boreal forest of British Columbia and western Alberta to explore how global extractive capitalism and the ongoing climate crisis manifest on a local level.  rossi grew up in the Fraser Valley in BC with a family whose income was directly connected to the forestry industry. She spent her childhood summers in the Chilcotin-Caribou where mountain pine beetle adapted their behaviour leading to the destruction of much of BC's pine forest. Her work counters the human- and western-centric ideas of the Anthropocene—a name for the current geological era marked by human activity—where she explores how the human, the technological, and the ecological are not separate from but deeply enmeshed with each other.  She proposes a view of ecology that sees humans and our technologies not as separate from and superior to the ecological world, but as one of several forces that shape it, a view from which we might more successfully negotiate the ongoing and cataclysmic shifts in climate. 

Climate change and the environmental degradation that follows in its wake are complex issues that are explored in the visual art and print making exhibition called Transitional Impressions: Visualizing Environmental Change.  The exhibition runs until November 5, at the University of Alberta FAB Gallery on the main floor and features the work of artists Sean Caulfield, Sue Colberg, Jill Ho-You, Heather Leier, Kiona Ligtvoet, Tara Manyfingers, and Jewel Shaw.  Many of the complex questions raised in current environmental discourse can be difficult to capture in scientific data or everyday language. The artists tried to articulate the sense of anxiety, loss and uncertainty we might be feeling as well as feelings of hope for positive change. They hope their art can help create a fuller picture of what environmental change means to Canadians. 

New On-demand service app for St. Albert Transit “book a bus” There's a new on-demand service app for St. Albert Transit and it's effective September 18, 2022. It will replace the current On-Demand Transit: Rider App. The On-demand service hours will remain the same for weekday evenings, Saturday evenings, Sundays and statutory holidays. It's available on both Android and iPhone platforms. You'll be able to book trips in advance through the new app, online at ridestat.ca, or over the phone at 780-418-6060. Current users of the On-Demand Transit: Rider App will need to download the new Book-A-Bus app and create a new account to take advantage of on-demand buses, push notifications and text messages, personal search results, and   favourite locations  You can visit ridestat.ca for more information 

Recently, I broke several pairs of shoes, leading me to wonder about what kind of advice for buying shoes there is on the internet. Here's a smattering of what I found from the REI website.Think about where you plan to walk most of the time. Then narrow your walking shoe choice based on that place. As I was looking at REI's advice, they have three categories: road-running shoes, hiking shoes, and trail-running shoes, but there are a plethora of other good walking shoes out there, so splash about and see what suits you. The experts at REI suggest that when you're considering any walking shoes, you should focus on these factors: Stability: lateral support: a shoe that you can't bend or twist easily is what you're looking for. Cushioning, and Fit They also point out that fit supersedes all other considerations: technology, reviews, fashion or recommendations from friends. A proper fit helps prevent bruised toenails and heel blisters, as well as more serious foot problems. Buying a shoe that fits you well is the best way to end up with a shoe that'll keep you and your feet happy forever. 

How to walk in the heat You'll have noted it's quite hot outside so here's some tips for enjoying your walking during the summer.  ·      Avoid the heat of the day by walking before 10AM or after 6PM. ·      Walking where there's tree cover provides shade and makes your walk much cooler. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can make the temperature feel up to fifteen degrees hotter. ·      Light-coloured clothing and hats can shield you from ultraviolet rays, but remember to keep your arms and legs covered regardless of what you're wearing. ·      Be sure that whatever you wear wicks away moisture.·      Drink water a few hours before you walk and then during your walk. Do so by carrying a bottle with a mix of ice and water ·      Take regular sips - six to eight ounces of water every fifteen minutes are recommended. ·      Consider making a shirt, bandana or hat damp before you go walking  

Active Transpo options If you've ever wanted to try out active transportation options, there's never been a better time in Edmonton. First, there's bike lanes so you can feel secure whilst transporting yourself about Second, there's bike-share-ebikes so if you don't have a bike, but do have a way to access the ebikes you're goldenThird, there's scooters, which can make the both the first and last miles of your trip very funFourth, the funicular gives you easy access in and out of the river valleyFifth, ebikes are generally are on the uptick so if you have children with whom you are cycling, have health issues or even other cargo, the ebikes help make getting around easierSixth, if you are more of an acoustic bike rider, there's still options for carrying children and gear galore. Check out the wide array of trailers, luggage racks and paniers that are available.Seventh, there's no reason you need to stick with one mode of transportation. Consider multi-modal options. For instance, you could drive, walk, or bus part of your journey, then hop on a shared bike or scooter for the rest of the distance.  

Rainy day riders If you're trying to bike about and are disheartened by all the rain, fear not transpo-fans.   Consider installing fenders on your bike. Not every bike comes with them and these spiffy bits of plastic cover the wheels and prevent spatter from the road and water from your wheels drenching your feet and legs. I'm not saying you won't get wet if you install fenders, but you will have a sporting chance at keeping dry for a bit longer.  There are other handy bits of gear for riding in the rain, but you must balance the convenience of not getting wet with the sweat that will accumulate under whatever rain gear you choose. Often, it's far better to get booties or wrap your feet in plastic bags, and bring a change of clothes for when you arrive wherever you're going.  One last bit of advice, stay away from the puddles, as you cannot easily gauge the depth of the puddle and a pothole that could jettison you off your bike.  

It's celebration time, active transpo folks!  The Edmonton Bike Coalition is holding a family-friendly celebration & bike protest on Saturday, June 18, at noon located at 101 Avenue & 75 Street.   The event is focused on the concept plans for the 101 Avenue Streetscape project released in March 2022. Overall the plans are an improvement over the existing state of 101 avenue but there are better designs elsewhere that would fit much better! Join the Edmonton Bike Coalition on Saturday at noon at 101 Avenue & 75 Street to showcase Edmonton's desires for a safe, equitable and active transportation-oriented city. 

Imagine a civic plaza connected to a pedestrian walkway running to the Ribbon of Steel in Edmonton! Or, just think back to that marvelous Open Street Festival we had a few years back on Jasper and times that by 365 days! What bliss!The potential is high for Edmontonians to be able to walk along streets, glance in shop windows, get food, drinks, or library books and then cool off by wading in the either City Hall pool or the Alberta Legislature Pool. However, more information is being gathered for how to make a pedestrianized corridor from 99th Street to 103rd Street or extend it even further to 109 Street as we speak. It would create a pedestrian space that piggybacks off of the closure of 102 Avenue. Changing the space to one slated for pedestrians adheres to city policy, creates a vital, safe place for all manners of citizens to do active transportation and addresses the City of Edmonton's Climate Emergency goals.

If you've ever been to a vibrant city core, where you can walk along streets, glance in shop windows, stop to get food or drinks or library books you put on hold along the way, then wind up with a quick cool down by wading in a pool, wait no longer, this could happen in your city! Edmonton's city council is considering turning part of 102nd Avenue downtown into a pedestrian-focused corridor. Sadly, the current plan is to eventually reopen one lane to eastbound vehicle traffic. But a new report in front of council suggests that a pedestrianized corridor run from 99th Street to 103rd Street, creating a pedestrian space piggybacking off of the closure of 102 Avenue from when the Valley Line LRT was constructed. Changing the space to one slated for pedestrians adheres to city policy, and creates a vital, safe place for all manners of citizens to do active transportation.

Sign up to help provide a snapshot of cycling in Canada between June 7 and 12, 2022. Pedal Poll/Sondo Vélo provides a glimpse of what cycling looks like in communities across Canada, at the same time and the same way, year over year.The Sondo Vélo/Pedal Poll is open to everyone. They invite and encourage people to participate and count other people on bikes. The group identify the important cycling routes for that community, identify specific locations on those routes, and then create a counts schedule for volunteers to cover a full day of counting.This year there are 30 Focus Communities and one of them is Edmonton! By increasing the number of Focus Communities everyone gets a better picture of cycling in Canada for 2022. The results will also help grow the poll in 2023 and beyond.Sign up at https://www.velocanadabikes.org/pedalpoll/

The Alberta Bike Swap returns to Edmonton, May 14, 2022 Although called a bike swap, it's more like a community-based bicycle buy, sell, and donate event focused on getting people on bikes.  Think of it as a bicycle-oriented consignment store. The donated bikes are checked for rideability and their serial numbers are recorded. If you're consigning a bike, the team will sell it for you and mail you a cheque or e-transfer, but if your bike doesn't sell, you'll have to pick it up Remember, it's this Saturday, May 14, 2022, located at the MacEwan University - City Centre 107 Street Underground Parkade If you're consigning your bike, bring it between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.The doors open for purchasing bikes at 2:30 and the event runs to 4 p.m. If you're just donating it, you can do that at anytime between 8 and 3 p.m. May 14, 2022 

Researchers have found that some recovered patients are left with cognitive and mental health issues including brain fog, trouble remembering words, and PTSD. Source: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/cognitive-impairment-from-severe-covid-19-equivalent-to-20-years-of-ageing-study-finds Produced by Saveta Cartwright

Alberta Health Services, along with the University of Alberta, is conducting the first large-scale survey on the impacts of long COVID in the province. Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/long-covid-alberta-search-for-answers-1.6439672 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.

Summer Streets Return to EdmontonHey there, active transpo listeners! Mobility lanes have returned starting the week of April 25! That means that vehicle lanes are converted for people to use for physical activity and we can bike, scoot, and roll comfortably in a separated lane. The speed limit on the adjacent roadway is reduced to 40 km/h where the lane is not separated by a median.This program began in 2020 to ensure we had sufficient space to move during the lockdown but returns as part of a broader Summer Streets Program to make streets generally safer and more livable for everyone. The Summer Streets Program supports active modes of travel so everyone can discover Edmonton and enjoy the summer outdoors.The Summer Street locations for 2022 include the ever popular Victoria Park Hill Road, Saskatchewan Drive from 109 Street to west of 104 Street and 104 Street, from Saskatchewan drive south to 78 Avenue.

A new study suggests that those who refuse COVID-19 vaccines raise the risk of infection for those. Source: https://www.healthing.ca/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus/vaccine-for-coronavirus/mixing-with-unvaccinated-increases-covid-19-risk-for-vaccinated-people-study Produced by Saveta Cartwright.

On Wednesday, April 20 Alberta reported a total of 6,125 covid 19 cases. 1,126 people are in the hospital with covid 19 and 43 people are in the ICU. These are all numbers reported by the government during its weekly update over a 7 day period Dr. Hinshaw on April 13 recommends masking when appropriate in indoor settings. Waste Water levels of ba.2 are high but below the ba.1 peak except in Edmonton where levels are close to the ba.1 peak according to health minister Jason copping

Update on the 102 Avenida das bicicletas Hey there Active Transpo fans, the 102 Avenida das bicicletas will be reconnected! By the end of April EPCOR will widen both the existing sidewalk on the north side of 102 Avenida and the east side of the 116 Street sidewalk. These changes make a slow, shared-use sidewalk for cyclists and pedestrians.  Note there will be a couple of days of sidewalk closures to widen the sidewalks and relocate a street light pole but there'll be people with flags re-routing cyclists and pedestrians around the work area. These changes to the existing detour were brought to you by the Oliver Community League and Paths for People And, if you're interested in, and have something to say about active transportation in Edmonton, City Council's Urban Planning Committee is discussing a report on April 26 regarding how active and public transportation user accommodation during construction disruptions.  

The fourth round of a cross-sectional monitoring survey on the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health in Canada in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) shows Albertans, versus the rest of Canadians, have experienced higher rates of mental health deterioration since the onset of the pandemic. A higher proportion of Albertans have increased use of substances as a way to cope during the pandemic. Source: https://cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Key-findings-summary-UBC-round-4-Final.pdf. Produced by Saveta Cartwright.

This week Alberta reported 6,181 covid 19 cases over a 7-day span. 1,053 people are in the hospital with covid 19 and 48 are in the ICU. There are 4,141 deaths to this date. This is all from April 5 to the 11th. The province also received 100,000 doses of the novavax vaccine and is available for albertans 18 years or older

High Level Bridge RehabilitationEdmonton City Council's Executive Committee is discussing rehabilitation options for the High Level Bridge. These options offer increased opportunities for active transportation as they include: Creating shared use paths on the upper deck; Widening the sidewalk on the lower east deck; Rehabilitating the north and south approaches of the upper deck; Maintaining the streetcar track; and  Providing safety barriers. This project will be an amazing redesign of an at-level crossing that makes active transportation in Edmonton a breeze because you don't really need to dip into and climb out of the river valley unless you want to. The project also aligns with the High Level Line Society's proposal that suggests changes extending beyond the bridge itself, stretching 4.3 km and connecting MacEwan University to Whyte Avenue at Gateway Boulevard along Ribbon of Steel. 

Sanitizing device, the TESER ACT unit, kills harmful viruses and bacteria within a minute using ultraviolet light. Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2022/04/new-sanitization-technology-that-kills-sars-cov-2-virus-successfully-tested-at-u-of-a.html Produced by Saveta Cartwright

This week Alberta has recorded a total of 5,549 cases between March 29 and April 4. 990 people are in the hospital and 44 are in the ICU. 30 new covid deaths have also been reported

Vélo Canada Bikes' Pedal Poll results for Edmonton have been released. The data comes from week-long counts throughout Edmonton done in June last year.  Paths for People volunteers reviewed the results and found that the people who are biking about DO NOT reflect the diversity of Edmontonians.  Paths for People noted there are limitations to counts based on observation, but the data shows that over 70% of the cyclists observed were perceived to be white. The remaining 30% comprised East Asian, Indigenous, South Asian, Black, Latino and Middle Eastern peoples.  As well, 75% of cyclists were adults, 11% were seniors and 10% were children. A whopping 66% of observed cyclists were perceived to be male.  Observational counts of this nature inform researchers and governments about access to cycling infrastructure for Edmontonians of all ages, abilities, and populations. When there are more places to ride, more people ride, and infrastructure helps them feel safe in making that choice.   

Cha cha changes to active transportation through parks If you use the river valley as part of your active transportation network, this is a heads up that there are several changes happening in Edmonton parks over the next while, which may impact your travels.   The first is William Hawrelak Park, which has access points to Buena Vista Park and Emily Murphy Park. Hawrelak has been identified as a priority for rehabilitation and will be closed for a considerable time to address the aging park infrastructure. That means upgrades, repairs or replacements to many of the park amenities. The 10-year rehabilitation plan was finalized in 2019 and will guide reinvestment in the park. The rehabilitation is slated to start in 2023.  The City of Edmonton is also in the midst of negotiating with Parks Canada and Indigenous representatives from Treaty Six and the Metis nation to create a national urban park in the Edmonton region. This park, in addition to creating more access to green spaces for Edmontonians, will also provide cultural and land-based healing opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.  It is unclear if the entire river valley will be declared a national urban park or only segments will be.  

The first weekly update of covid cases in Alberta resulted in 1900 cases (March 18-21). Dr. Hinshaw also reported that the Omicron subvariant BA.2 is not the dominant strain in the province.

102 Avenue Bike Lane Detour At 116 Street If you're fond of using the Oliverbahn to make your way east and west in Edmonton on the north side of the river, we've got news for you. EPCOR is installing an access point at the intersection of 102 Avenue and 116 Street and the street is expected to be closed until August of this year.   Initial closures notices did not take into consideration the impact on active transportation, however, EPCOR has contacted representatives to discuss how best to manage detours during construction particularly as the 102 Avenue bikeway is a high-use route that provides safe movement for all manners of people, from walkers to cyclists. These options include dismounting and using the sidewalk, a speed reduction for automobiles, temporary push buttons and extra signage. 

Global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem as some countries also report a drop in testing rates. Produced by Saveta Cartwright

The Alberta government's budget for 2022 and 2023 will see a one point seven increase in funding, including $13 million dollars of federal funding to go towards ventilation projects in schools. Produced by Hannah Cunningham.

Last week Alberta reported a total of 2,620 cases through its daily reports. Hospitalizations as of Friday March 18th are at 966 with 62 in the ICU. Furthermore the Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping announced that the province will not limit Covid-19 reports to just once a week instead of daily reports.

China is experiencing multiple COVID-19 outbreaks. These outbreaks are caused by the omicron BA.2 subvariant, dubbed “stealth omicron”. Reporting on this subvariant in Alberta is lacking. Produced by Saveta Cartwright.

The vaccine mandate for Edmonton Public School Board staff, which came into place in October 2021, has been suspended. Produced by Hannah Cunningham.

Equinox and Coffee Outside, Friday, March 11, 7-9 a.m. Every Friday morning between 7 and 9 a.m. a group of cyclists and walkers gather at Ezio Farone Park on the north west side of the High-Level Bridge before heading off to their day. It's a casual gathering of welcoming like-minded folks who like to pause to enjoy the view and each other's company before getting down to business, whatever that is for them. The park is a central meeting place accessible to all ages and abilities and you are welcome to bring your favourite morning beverage and join them. BUT, This Friday morning from 7-9 a.m. come join other cyclists and walkers to celebrate the Solstice, erm, no I mean anticipate the Equinox! Free hot drinks are provided by Paths for People, all you'll need is your mug.  Bring some socks, toques, gloves or other gently used warm clothing for the Bissell Centre as a donation, get some lights at the bike light station and meet others just like you. 

On Tuesday, Edmonton voted to end the mask bylaw. Source: https://www.healthing.ca/news/local-news/edmonton-city-council-mask-bylaw/wcm/96adb2f8-c6e2-4639-aa4a-bb65a6e1b7fa/ Produced by Saveta Cartwright.

24 Hour Movement Guidelines If the weight of the world is getting you down, check out Canada's first-ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults to see what a healthy 24 hours looks like for Canadian adults The guidelines focus on how all our movement behaviours integrate together and weave these behaviours with guidance on both sedentary and sleep behaviours. SO HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD YOU GET? Some is better than none and include different types of movement at various intensity levels. Try to include physical activity, muscle-strengthening activities and standing. This might look like your daily life if it includes casual neighbourhood walks, gardening, household chores and taking stairs instead of the elevator  SO HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SIT AROUND? If possible, limit sedentary time to 8 hours or less per day. Pair that with around 3 hours of recreational screen time. Then break up long periods of sitting where possible by standing up, dancing or gardening or whatever takes your fancy. SO HOW MUCH SLEEP SHOULD YOU GET?For those aged 18-64 consider 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep on a regular basis, If you're over 65, consider 7 to 8 hours.  Practicing good sleep habits like consistent bed and wake-up times help a lot. For more information check out the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology 

Today, March 1st, marks the beginning of Alberta's Phase 2 of moving to an endemic approach to COVID-19. On February 26th, Jason Kenney said that the “vast majority” of public health restrictions would be lifted on March 1st. This includes remaining school requirements, youth screening for entertainment and sport activities, capacity limits at large and entertainment venues, operating restrictions on bars and restaurants, all social gathering limits, and the mandatory work-from-home order. Masking will remain mandatory for high-risk settings including public transit, Alberta Health Services facilities, and continuing-care settings.For Edmontonians, the city's mask mandate is set to remain in place until there are fewer than 100 cases of COVID-19 per one hundred thousand people for 28 consecutive days. There will be a special city council meeting on March 8th to discuss the mask bylaw.Survey on Edmonton's mask mandate (open until March 7th).Produced by Hannah Cunningham.

Starting this Monday the university's libraries will be back and open with course materials, physical collections and onsite services all again being available. With the provincial mandate changing on Tuesday the university is reminding students and visitors that continued masking in shared indoor spaces is expected.The university will  also be suspending the universities travel directive, travellers will still need to assess travel risk for a range of issues from security to covid. The university will be returning the previous approved travel outlined in the off campus activity and travel policy which is available at ualberta's website. With changes coming to  Alberta's public health restrictions on Tuesday and the university going back to physical learning this Monday this week and the coming month will certainly be interesting.Here is to staying safe and always educating yourself on important topics that affect you and those around you, for cjsr and this week's campus news this is Jarret Kamm. 

This Saturday, Premier Jason Kenney will announce if the province will enter phase 2 of the easing of public health restrictions on March 1st. Source: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx Produced by Saveta Cartwright.

On Sunday February 13th, the Alberta Federation of Labor filed a request to challenge the government of Alberta's decision to lift mask mandates in schools. This challenge was filed on the behalf of five parents with immunocompromised children. The union was also challenging the Education Minister's announcement that schools would not be able to make their own rules to override the province's. According to the Alberta Teachers Association, community spread of the virus has not decreased significantly, and that the union is exploring legal options. Produced by Hannah Cunningham.

Announced this week on February 17th, the University President Bill Flanagan confirmed that the university as of February 28th would be suspending its Vaccine Directive. In the update Mr.Flanagan pointed to the high effectiveness of the directive, with 97% of students and 99 percent of staff being fully vaccinated. Personal Health Checks will now replace the directive, as well as face masks continuing to be required across all indoor shared campus spaces. Also coming this week will be a special edition of YouAlberta newsletter that will include resources and stories aimed at helping you prepare for your return to campus. It will be released this Tuesday, February 22nd. To view the universities updates you can visit ualberta.ca/covid19For cjsr this is Jarret Kamm

More Bike Lanes for Edmonton Exciting news for bike commuters! Councillor Ashley Salvador introduced a motion asking Administration to look at options to move up the completion of routes in the Edmonton area to 2026, citing cycling as a viable mode of transportation that can reduce the cost of living for Edmontonians, improve public health, and achieve ambitious emissions reductions targets The motion was passed unanimously by the five voting members of the Urban Development Committee, and as a result, Edmonton is on a path to expand and enhance up to 678 kilometres of multi-use trails over the next 10 years. The ask is for Administration to consider options to extend the network of trails to south-central, west-central and east-central neighbourhoods. Council began discussing the priorities at a Feb. 15 meeting, ahead of the new four-year budget cycle that starts in the fall.   

The research is the first to demonstrate a link between physical activity and the body's antibody response to the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine. Source: https://www.healthing.ca/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus/vaccine-for-coronavirus/exercising-after-vaccination-pumps-up-antibodies-study/ Produced by Saveta Cartwright.