Update on COVID-19 for August 18: Here's what you need to know.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have found "weaknesses" in all major variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Joint may lead to universally effective treatment.

In a study published Thursday in Nature Communications, researchers used a process called cryo-electron microscopy.

This new technique allows researchers to rapidly freeze proteins at the atomic level, allowing hundreds of thousands of X-ray-like snapshots of individual proteins.

"Then he can compute and combine them in 3D to create an atomic landscape of what the protein looks like," said a professor at UBC School of Medicine. Dr. Sriram Subramaniam, lead author of the study, said.

"So what we are reporting in this particular example is using technology to literally use antibodies and spike proteins."

Here read the full text.

— Tiffany Crawford

Quebec announces her COVID-19 vaccine statewide ahead of potential new fall wave Preparations are underway to launch an inoculation campaign, but it is unknown if it will actually happen. Enough to encourage the pandemic-weary public to roll up their sleeves for another booster.

As of Wednesday, he was the only 56% of Quebec citizens aged 5 or older who had received her third dose of the vaccine. Government officials say the booster intake is low because millions of Quebecers have contracted the novel coronavirus and believe they are well protected.

Meanwhile, health experts say pandemic fatigue and communication with governments also play a role.

Dr. Dong Binh, an infectious disease specialist at McGill University Health Center, is responsible for the state government's message. Vinh said the government should push boosters more strongly over the past six months to eight months instead of pushing in a big way when the current wave of COVID-19 is weakening. said it was.

-The Canadian Press

An Eastern Ontario doctor accused of murdering a patient last year said Wednesday that he also counted three counts of first-degree murder. indicted for a crime.

Ontario Police said new charges against Dr Brian Nadler are linked to the deaths of Claire Briere, 80, Lorraine Lalande, 79, and Judith Lunggrescu, 93.

But his lawyers claim that all four elderly patients died of his COVID-19, which Nadler says will be "proven."

— Canadian Press

Quebec Prime Minister François Legault says his government is "getting ahead of the next wave of his COVID" It said it would launch a “massive” vaccination booster campaign. -19.

On Monday, Quebec began offering his fifth dose of his COVID-19 vaccine to residents of long-term care facilities and private nursing homes.

— The Canadian Press

Doctors in Ontario plan to vaccinate against COVID-19, flu and other illnesses in the fall. I advise people to continue One doctor predicts it will likely spread and worsen within the health system's challenges.

— The Canadian Press

A glitch-prone app touted as an efficient border control tool early in the pandemic calls into question its usefulness. It's become a punching bag for presenting critics, but ArriveCan may stay here.

 Briefly describe what we know about this

— The Canadian Press

Mayhem unfolded at IKEA in Shanghai on Saturday as public health officials tried to lock down the store and quarantine people on site after learning that a person who had been in contact with a COVID-19 patient visited.

— Reuters

The UK, the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine in late 2020, will be the first to launch shots adapted to its target-targeting variant. gave the green light. Both original and Omicron versions of the virus.

— Reuters

All Saskatchewan adults are eligible to receive their fourth dose of COVID-19 on Monday. The

state has said it will extend her second booster eligibility to all residents aged 18 and over who received her third dose at least four months before her. increase.

Residents were able to begin booking appointments on Friday, and shots were made available the same Monday as the state opens its clinics.

Two giant cruise lines have joined forces following a series of recent moves to ease pandemic-era restrictions that have prevented some travelers from boarding. We are easing vaccine requirements for our ships.

Sister cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises said on their website that starting September 5, anyone "regardless of vaccination status" will be able to board certain cruises as long as they meet testing requirements. says on the site.

For celebrities, this means cruises departing from Los Angeles, the United Kingdom and Europe (excluding Iceland). Royal Caribbean cruises that do not require vaccinations include cruises departing from European ports, Los Angeles, Galveston, Texas and New Orleans.

What are BC's current public health measures?

Masks: Masks are not required in public indoor environments, but individual businesses and event organizers may choose to require them. Ferries, but are still required in federally regulated travel spaces such as trains, airports, airplanes, and medical facilities.

Gatherings and Events: There are currently no restrictions on gatherings and events such as private gatherings, weddings, funerals, worship services, exercise and fitness activities, swimming pools. Restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs also have no restrictions or capacities. There are no restrictions on sports activities.

Nursing homes: There are no restrictions on visitors to long-term care or elderly care homes, but visitors must present proof of immunizations prior to visiting. need to do it.

Waivers are available for children under the age of 12, children on medical exemptions, and visitors participating in end-of-life related compassionate visits. Visitors to nursing homes should also undergo a rapid antigen test before visiting the facility or be tested upon arrival. Exemptions from testing are available for those who participate in compassionate visits and end-of-life care.

How do I get vaccinated in British Columbia?

Anyone living in BC.

• gov. bc. Register online at ca/getvaccinated to make an appointment with the community.
• Alternatively, if you prefer, you can register and go to a health authority drop-in clinic.
• The system will alert you when it is time for your second dose.
• The same system will alert you when it's time to administer a booster dose.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

Testing Centers: BC's COVID-19 test collection center is currently accepting patients who are hospitalized, pregnant, have symptoms that may put them at high risk, or who: We are only testing those who are eligible and who live/work with symptoms. High risk. You can use BC to find your testing center. Centers for Disease Control Testing Center Map

If you have mild symptoms, no testing is necessary and you should stay home until your fever subsides. Asymptomatic people do not need to be tested.

Take-home Rapid Antigen Tests: Anyone with an eligible British Columbia Personal Health Number aged 18 or over can go to a pharmacy and get 5 free You can receive a take-home test kit for COVID-19 rapid antigen test.

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