Daily Media Digest October 2, 2020

UM part of national study on COVID-19 antibodies in older adults
UM Today News
A $4-million investment from Canada’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force will launch a national study to investigate the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among aging Canadians, a population that has been shown to be at greatest risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 disease.
TAGS: COVID-19, antibodies, older adults, University of Manitoba

McMaster-led study aims to protect older Canadians from severe outcomes of COVID-19
Global News
A McMaster university professor is leading a national study that will focus on COVID-19 and its impact on older Canadians, who are most at risk of serious illness and death.
TAGS: COVID-19, older adults, McMaster University

Lyte Clinics partners with the University Health Network and Medical Cannabis by Shoppers in a ground-breaking clinical study
Canada NewsWire
“LYTE’s robust telemedicine platform will connect Canada’s largest pharmacy network, Shoppers Drug Mart, with Canada’s largest and most prestigious research institution, University Health Network, to enable this groundbreaking clinical study in medical cannabis.” States Dr Dean Elterman, of University Health Network.
TAGS: cannabis, clinical trial, University Health Network

Saline gargle COVID-19 test approved for children in Nova Scotia
CBC News
Dr. Todd Hatchette, the chief of service for microbiology in the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s central zone, said at the time that they were working with colleagues in British Columbia to get specimens in order to corroborate the gargle test.
TAGS: COVID-19, testing, children, Nova Scotia Health Authority

‘A dream’ or an emotional roller-coaster? Working from home has range of mental health effects
CBC News
University of Manitoba clinical psychologist Renée El-Gabalawy is leading a cross-Canada study on COVID-19 and mental health. She says early data suggests just how important routine might be when it comes to overall well-being.
TAGS: work from home, mental health, University of Manitoba

Frist Nations grapple with COVID-19 cases after having significantly lower rates initially
North Shore News
“The work that communities have done, to ensure the safety of their citizens, of their Elders and of their communities generally has been phenomenal,” says Dr. Shannon McDonald, who is the Chief Medical Officer at the First Nations Health Authority. McDonald is Metis and Anishinabe, and introduces herself as a guest on Tsawout territory.
TAGS: COVID-19, First Nations, Indigenous

Prime Minister announces reappointment of Canada’s top scientist
Canada NewsWire
“I am delighted and honoured to be reappointed as our country’s Chief Science Advisor. My team and I are happy to continue working with Canada’s diverse, committed, and exceptional science community to advise our decision-makers as we continue our fight against the pandemic and build a better future for us all.”
Dr. Mona Nemer, Canada’s Chief Science Advisor
TAGS: Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer