VIRUS BATTLE

Provinces struggle against second-wave of COVID-19 as Quebec outbreak grows //

A COVID-19 outbreak at a Quebec pork processing plant grew Thursday as Manitoba expanded its restrictions and Alberta announced a testing pilot at two international border crossings to boost its ailing travel industry.

Olymel says 54 workers at its plant southeast of Quebec City have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The union representing plant workers is calling for a temporary closure, but the company said it is following guidance from public health officials who have not recommended a shutdown.

One worker died following a positive test result, but Olymel said it doesn’t know whether the death was from the novel coronavirus.

The province hardest-hit by the novel coronavirus recorded 1,033 new cases in its Thursday update and 20 additional deaths. Five hundred and fifty three people are in hospital, including 101 in intensive care.

Premier François Legault said Thursday that chances are slim restaurants in Quebec’s largest cities will be allowed to reopen this month as the province continue to report quadruple-digit daily case increases.

Montreal and Quebec City have been under a 28-day partial lockdown since Oct. 1.

Manitoba reported four COVID-19 fatalities on Thursday in its deadliest day yet.

Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, announced 147 new cases — 87 in Winnipeg where more restrictions on restaurants, pubs and gathering sizes came into effect this week.

He said those limits will also apply to the northern health region and Churchill starting next week, as well as further restrictions in schools such as banning choir, wind instruments and field trips.

Manitoba’s daily test positivity rate is up to 5.6 per cent.

In Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney announced a joint federal-provincial pilot project that will enable travellers entering Canada via the Calgary International Airport and Coutts land border crossing from Montana to avoid a full 14-day quarantine. The pilot is to begin on Nov. 2. Those who voluntarily participate will receive a COVID-19 test upon entry into Canada before proceeding into quarantine.