Experts fear race for Covid-19 vaccine may result in test subjects being injured

National:

CTV – Canada may be at the forefront of the race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, with a clinical trial already approved, but experts warn we have fallen short in developing a fund to compensate those who may be injured by vaccinations.

With immense political and public pressure to develop a vaccine, a process which can take years, researchers are carrying out trials at an unprecedented pace in efforts to bring a successful vaccine to market in a matter of months.

And although vaccine-related reactions are rare, experts say a new vaccine -especially one developed using new technology – may come with unknown risks.

At least 19 countries already have programs in place that compensate individuals injured by vaccines, but Canada does not.

Local:

CTV – A pilot suffered minor injuries when his floatplane crashed into the Ottawa River Sunday, following a mid-air collision with a second plane near Constance Bay.

The Ottawa Fire Department received multiple 911 calls near 3 p.m. claiming a plane had crashed into the Ottawa River.

The plane that landed in the river had a single pilot inside. The male sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital in stable condition. Reports stated that the two planes had made contact with each other. When firefighters arrived at the landing site, the first plane was upside down.

International:

ABC – Thousands of people in Berlin on Sunday June 14, 2020, formed a nine- kilometre human chain to send a message against racism, discrimination, and inequality.

Protesters wore masks, and were told to keep a distance. They did this by linking themselves with a coloured ribbon, which they referred to as a “ribbon of solidarity.”

Police estimated about 5,000 protesters attended. However, organizers claim it was well over 20,000 due to the fact there were smaller demonstrations in other German cities.

Human Interest:

People – In the city of Boston, Mayor Marty Walsh declared that racism constitutes an emergency and public health crisis.

Walsh claimed he will relocate $12 million of the Boston Police Department’s overtime budget into community programs to fight against systemic racism. Some of the programs include, economic development initiatives, mental health services and housing opportunities.

A new task force has also been created to improve the police department’s body cam program, and strengthen the police review board.

Walsh will announce the specific programs in 60 days after reviewing community recommendations.