From the construction of Lang Plaza at the U of G, to the release of new election-themed Barbies, here is what we saw in the news this week.
U of G begins construction of new Lang Plaza
T he University of Guelph has officially broke ground on their new Lang Plaza, a revitalization of the front entrance of Macdonald Hall, which will include enhancements to accessibility and give students a place to gather once they are able to return to class.
According to a U of G news release, the plaza, sitting at roughly 3,360-square-metres, will include a remote-controlled fire pit, benches, patio tables and a water fountain named after former dean of the Lang School, Julia Christensen Hughes.
“The design of Lang Plaza reflects the importance of well-being and connection to nature. When students return to campus, Lang Plaza will offer a natural space to relax and learn,” said Sara Mann, Lang’s interim dean.
The plaza will be funded by a $21 million donation from Stu and Kim Lang, founders of the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, as part of a vision to “enhance the global reputation and impact of U of G’s business school,” states the release.
Along with the enhanced gathering space, Macdonald Hall will also receive a new ramp to the building for increased accessibility, complete with an in-ground heating system for icy days.
A bio-infiltration garden that will gather rainwater runoff from the plaza for percolation and slow release is also expected to be built.
The majority of the plaza is expected to be completed by spring 2021.
Toronto and Peel Region enter Stage 3 of reopening
W ith most regions now at Stage 3 of reopening, Toronto and Peel Region are following suit, officially entering Stage 3 today.
According to a news release, the decision to move Toronto and Peel into Stage 3 “is based on positive local trends of key public health indicators.” These include lower transmission rates of COVID-19, a significant increase in testing, as well as ongoing hospital capacity rates.
“While more restaurants, theatres and businesses can hang up their Open for Business sign, we’re asking everyone to follow public health advice and act responsibly,” said Premier Doug Ford.
While Toronto and Peel join most of Ontario in Stage 3 status, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit region remains in Stage 2 for the time being. The Ontario government will continue to monitor the situation in Windsor-Essex in order to determine when they will be able to move into the next stage of reopening.
“We have made tremendous progress that allows us to return to something a little closer to our normal lives this summer, but we are not out of the woods yet. This virus is still among us and we have to be extra cautious to avoid sparking a surge or an outbreak. I strongly urge everyone to continue following public health protocols,” Ford said.
Regions that have entered Stage 3 are allowed to increase gatherings to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, so long as physical distancing remains in place.
Gathering limits will not apply to restaurants and bars, which are allowed to operate under certain protective health measures such as appropriate table separation.
Guelph urged to keep ‘Moving Forward Together’
T he City of Guelph’s Stage 3 reopening is well underway, and while many people gear up to go back to work, or are already working, Dr. Nicola Mercer and Mayor Cam Guthrie released a joint letter on Tuesday urging the citizens of Guelph to “keep moving forward together.”
Along with thanking everyone for the progress the city has made so far in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Mercer and Guthrie acknowledged the importance of finding ways to support the community during this time.
“We know that reopening businesses – and keeping them open – is a key step for economic recovery in Guelph. The launch of our Downtown Dining District and our ability to gather together at local restaurants is a great sign of our progress toward this goal,” Mercer and Guthrie wrote.
Although the majority of citizens have been following health guidelines in regards to social distancing and facial coverings, this is not the case for some individuals.
“Over the weekend, however, we have seen troubling reports that some people visiting restaurants and other commercial establishments around town (especially those where alcohol is served) are not doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the letter stated.
On Thursday morning there were three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guelph, bringing the city’s total number of active cases to eight as of today.
The letter ends with a call to action from Mercer and Guthrie to follow recommended health practices so that everyone may see a successful future where “we live safely with COVID-19 until we beat it.”
Mattel releases ‘Campaign Team’ Barbie dolls
On Tuesday, Mattel announced a new set of Barbie dolls called the Barbie 2020 Campaign Team which features four dolls who each have roles within the campaign and election process.
According to Mattel’s press release, the team consists of a candidate, campaign manager, fundraiser and voter.
Barbie’s tradition of releasing election-themed Barbies began in 1992, however, what makes this set different is the inclusiveness and diversity of its cast of characters, championing equal representation not only for women, but for POC as well.
“With less than a third of elected leaders in the U.S. being women, and Black women being even less represented in these positions, we designed the Barbie Campaign Team with a diverse set of dolls to show all girls they can raise their voices,” Lisa McKnight, SVP and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls for Mattel, said in the release.
Mattel is partnered with non-profit She Should Run and together they have provided funding to Help Her Lead, an online course containing information to help caretakers and parents support girls, particularly girls of colour, who are interested in political leadership.
The Barbie Campaign Team is available now to purchase, and the entire set sells for $39.99 USD from major online retailers.
Health Canada authorizes drug to treat severe COVID-19 symptoms
H ealth Canada has announced the first drug authorized for use in treating severe symptoms arising from infection by the novel coronavirus.
Remdesivir is to be administered by hospitals only, and is suitable in treating patients who suffer severe pneumonia symptoms due to COVID-19 and need additional oxygen to breathe, Global News reported on Tuesday.
While remdesivir has been authorized by Health Canada for use in adults and adolescents over the age of 12, Gilead, the manufacturer of the drug, did not seek authorization for use in pregnant women or children.
The virus’s ability to copy its genetic material is hindered by this drug. In a U.S. government-led study, findings showed that recovery time after using remdesivir was reduced by 31 per cent, four days less than the average 15 days seen in non-remdesivir treatment of the virus.
Remdesivir, however, has not been shown to improve survivability of those infected.
In a press conference, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said that supply of the drug is limited, and the public health agency is going to try to bring in what they can for Canada.
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