May 4, 2021 Coronavirus Update: Canadian vaccine certificate is in the works, Tourism Minister says...A standardized vaccine certificate for travel is being developed in Canada, government officials said, but provided few details

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May 4, 2021 Coronavirus Update: Canadian vaccine certificate is in the works, Tourism Minister says Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight. Top headlines: A standardized vaccine certificate for travel is being developed in Canada, government officials said, but provided few details Two of Canada’s biggest operators of long-term care homes paid annual bonuses to their top executives for 2020 – the year LTC homes were hardest-hit by the pandemic The kids are not all right: Educators fear that students will “deeply disengage” in learning, making it more challenging to bring them back to the classroom once it’s time to head back to class In the last 7 days, 54,948 cases were reported, down 2 per cent from the previous 7 days. There were 329 deaths announced, down 7 per cent over the same period. At least 4,257 people are being treated in hospitals and 1,141,859 others are considered recovered. Canada’s inoculation rate is 12th among 84 countries with a population of one million or more people. Sources: Canada data is compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data is from Johns Hopkins University. Coronavirus explainers: Coronavirus in maps and charts • Tracking vaccine doses • Lockdown rules and reopening • Vaccine distribution plan • Four vaccines approved in Canada • Essential resources Photo of the day People watch the cremation of people who died due to COVID-19 at Sahudangi Crematorium in India on May 4, 2021. AFP CONTRIBUTOR#AFP/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Coronavirus in Canada In Ontario, hospitals are likely to escape the third wave without resorting to a triage protocol, according to a memo sent to the chief executives of the province’s hospitals. Meanwhile, Toronto says it faces obstacles in vaccinating the city’s homeless population as shelters report COVID-19 outbreaks. Students in the province can opt to take all their classes online when the new school year begins in September, Education Minister Stephen Lecce said. Quebec is ending emergency COVID-19 lockdown measures in some parts of the province next week, including the Quebec City area. The top critical-care doctor in Nova Scotia says Halifax patients in intensive care may face transfers around the province in the coming weeks – depending on the province’s ability to tamp down COVID-19 infections. Yesterday, Alberta said it would introduce new COVID-19 restrictions amid the highest COVID-19 rates in North America. Meanwhile, a lawyer for a pastor accused of violating COVID-19 rules argued that the government tried to censor him. In Ottawa, Tourism Minister Melanie Joly says Canada is working with international partners on a standard COVID-19 vaccine certification for international travel. The Minister said Canada will “position ourself as a safe destination” as vaccines are rolled out around the world. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it makes sense for Canada and its partners to agree on “some sort of proof of vaccination or vaccine certification.” COVID-19 vaccines: The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna over Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, because of the remote risk of blood clots in the latter. The new recommendations set off a firestorm of fear, and prompted the Canadian Pharmacists Association to weigh in. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is “extremely pleased” to have received the AstraZeneca shot, and that the only way to end the pandemic in the country is for every Canadian to get vaccinated. COVID-19 and kids: Educators worry about absences as COVID-19 challenges continue for parents and students. Coronavirus around the world India’s tally of coronavirus infections surged past 20 million on Tuesday, prompting opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to call for a nationwide lockdown. U.S. President Joe Biden set a new goal to give at least one dose to 70 per cent of adult Americans by July 4. Coronavirus and business Long-term care homes were hard hit during the first wave of the pandemic. Meanwhile, two of Canada’s biggest long-term care operators paid annual bonuses to their top executives for 2020. Extendicare Inc. paid full bonuses to several top executives after surpassing profit goals for 2020. Sienna Senior Living Inc. decided to increase the bonuses it paid out despite reportedly missing its financial goals for profit and cash flow. Also today: Class-action lawsuits have been launched by commercial property owners against insurers in Canada and abroad, yet most policyholders are finding that insurance does not cover them from damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And: Air Passenger Rights, an advocacy group, flagged problems with refund rules to the Canadian government a year before the pandemic exacerbated the issue. Globe opinion Aaron Burnett: Ottawa should let fully vaccinated travellers skip Canada’s hotel quarantine Agnee Ghosh: Lifting vaccine patent protections is the surest way to end the COVID-19 pandemic Selin Oguz: Generation Z cannot become Generation COVID-19 Rob Carrick: Can’t afford a house? It’s likely not your fault More reporting Canadian scientists face a faster and more competitive world after COVID-19, a new report says Unvaccinated workers still bringing COVID-19 into long-term care homes in British Columbia Pfizer raises full-year sales forecast for COVID-19 vaccines, expects demand to continue for years Canada’s trade balance swings back to deficit as imports jump to highest since 2019 Information centre How well do vaccines work? Here’s what you need to know. Rob Carrick’s 10-point checklist of things you should have done by now to protect or improve your money situation. Tips for minimizing damage to your credit score ; how to manage retirement anxiety during difficult times; and things to think about if you’re considering home delivery. Here are the expectations for self-isolation; tips for managing anxiety and protecting your mental health; and what to do if you think you have the virus. Wash your hands. How to break a bad habit (like touching your face). Is flying safe? The best foods to eat to maintain an immune system-friendly diet; and how to keep a healthy diet while working from home ; four eating tips when working from home; and five mistakes that might cause you to gain unwanted weight. Here are the essentials to stock up on and how to shop safely for groceries ; the best pantry staples and how to stop stress-eating. Find answers to your coronavirus and employment questions. Sources: Canada data are compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins University and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data are from Johns Hopkins. What are we missing? Email us: audience@globeandmail.com. Do you know someone who needs this newsletter? Send them to our Newsletters page. SUBSCRIBE TO THE GLOBE GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS GLOBE CAMPUS