Food and Household Product Manufacturers - An Open Letter to Canadians Regarding COVID-19

Endorsed by more than 100 companies that make Canada's leading food, beverage, and consumer products.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 20, 2020 /CNW/ - We know that the food and household goods we all choose feel more essential to daily life than ever before.  Finding those products on store shelves is important to you, and safely making the products you need is our top priority.

Representing Canada's most trusted brands and the 300,000 people who work making the food and household products Canadians rely on every day, now more than ever, we want you to know: 

WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK.

We couldn't be prouder that the products we make are helping Canadians across the country - from medical heroes in our hospitals to every day heroes working hard to help their families and communities stay strong in these difficult times. 

It is understandable that people are concerned about finding the products they need.  But, we are confident we have and make enough for everyone. 

Our commitments are simple:

—We will help Canada's largest manufacturing workforce stay healthy and support our colleagues to stay home from work if they get sick.

—We will continue to uphold the most stringent standards for personal, equipment, and product hygiene and safety in our facilities. 

—We will keep making the food and household goods you need and working with government and grocers to make sure the products you need are stocked on store shelves. 

We work with and thank: Farmers who grow the agricultural products we make into finished goods. Our team members who make the food and household products you need. Transportation networks who deliver these essential supplies. Partners in grocery, drug, and convenience stores who help us get those products on store shelves. 

WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER – 
FROM FARM, FACTORY, AND STORE TO YOUR FRONT DOOR.

To learn more about the food industry and our response to covid-19, please visit fcpc.ca/foodisfundamental

SOURCE Food & Consumer Products of Canada

Apotex Donates Hydroxychloroquine for a Clinical Study to Prevent Infection From Covid-19 With Front Line Health Care Workers

TORONTO, March 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Apotex, Canada's largest pharmaceutical company, announced today that it is donating Hydroxychloroquine to accelerate a study examining if it prevents infection of COVID-19 in front-line healthcare employees.  

The study, conducted by the University Health Network and Unity Health (St Michael's Hospital) in Toronto, aims to gather data from randomized controlled trials which is essential for informing the best practices in protecting our health care workers at this critical time. It is a PreExposure Prophylaxis randomized placebo controlled trial for front line health care workers including emergency room staff and ICU staff.

"We are committed to take whatever actions we can to support our healthcare community as they investigate possible treatments for COVID-19," said Jeff Watson, President and CEO, Apotex. "Due to anticipated increased demand for this product, we have doubled our planned production outputs, and are in dialogue with governments about additional measures they may wish to take on this specific product." 

Global interest in Hydroxychloroquine has surged with some governments already adding the product to their COVID-19 treatment protocols. Other countries are also considering the impact of this product, including the United States who requested that it be made available for use immediately. 

Apotex is working around the clock to protect the health and safety of its employees in order to minimize disruption to Canada's drug supply. "Canada is fortunate to have domestic manufacturing of cost effective pharmaceuticals within its borders," said Jeff Watson. "The importance of this local capability, especially during times of a pandemic cannot be overstated."

In addition to producing almost 100% of its portfolio for Canadians in Canada, Apotex is also the largest manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the country.

About Apotex Inc.
Apotex Inc. is a proudly Canadian, global pharmaceutical company that produces high-quality, affordable medicines for patients around the world. Apotex employs almost 8,000 people worldwide in manufacturing, R&D, and commercial operations.  Apotex Inc. exports to more than 100 countries and territories and operates in more than 45 countries, with a significant presence in Canada, the US, Mexico, and India. Through vertical integration, Apotex is comprised of multiple divisions and affiliates including Apotex Inc., focused on generics; Apobiologix, a division of Apotex Inc. focused on biosimilar development; Aveva, an affiliate of Apotex Inc. fully integrated global developer and manufacturer of complete transdermal solutions; Apotex Consumer Products, a division of Apotex Inc. focused on brand name products; and Global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (GAPI), a division of Apotex Inc. focused on the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for Apotex and third parties. For more information visit: www.apotex.com. 

SOURCE Apotex Inc.

Precision Biomonitoring Announces its Health Canada Submission for Point-of-Care SARS-Cov-2 Go-Strips

Precision Biomonitoring Responds to Health Canada's Call for COVID-19 Research and Development with Innovative Point-of-Care Testing Solution

GUELPH, ON and MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Precision Biomonitoring, an industry leader in developing environmental DNA (eDNA) tools to detect organisms, announces the submission of its point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 Go-Strips and rapid mobile detection device to Health Canada for approval and use in Canada in response to the COVID-19 virus. The submission was based on lab validation data generated through testing viral samples and its on-going collaboration with major research institutions in Ontario and Manitoba, including with teams that recently identified and isolated the RNA of the new novel coronavirus.

"Our recent collaboration with healthcare and research institutions across the country positions us well to work with the Government of Canada and healthcare decision makers to provide innovative, point-of-care testing for COVID-19 in 60 minutes," says Dr. Mario Thomas, CEO, Precision Biomonitoring. "We are looking forward to playing our part in combatting this virus."

A proud Canadian company, Precision Biomonitoring, recognizes the importance of working with public health officials to ensure the safety of all Canadians. "Our technologies are inspired by our ongoing pursuit for innovation, and in the face of a rapidly evolving situation such as COVID-19, that relentless commitment is all the more critical," says Thomas. "To know that our company is working towards supporting healthcare professionals in enabling the diagnosis and care taking place across Canada continues to fuel our efforts. We look forward to a timely response from Health Canada."

Precision Biomonitoring has a demonstrated track record of being agile and adjusting to the scientific and medical needs of the Canadian landscape. Its ongoing work and strong existing relationships with the Government of Canada, as well as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in the food safety and animal health space, has provided Precision Biomonitoring with the knowledge and experience necessary to be a trusted, collaborative partner to Health Canada.

About Precision Biomonitoring
Founded in 2016 by a team of scientists from the University of Guelph's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Precision Biomonitoring provides TripleLock™ onsite eDNA surveillance platform solutions that give customers earlier detection of organisms for a more rapid response. Customers are any organizations that need onsite surveillance and rapid identification of any organism in any environment. The Precision Biomonitoring team is at the forefront of technological innovations in the genomics industry. Our vision is a world where we can identify any organism on the spot, in an instant, anywhere on the planet.

SOURCE Precision Biomonitoring

Harvey's & Swiss Chalet support front-line workers during COVID-19 with 50% off

VAUGHAN, ON, March 19, 2020 /CNW/ - During this unprecedented time, Harvey's and Swiss Chalet are supporting the many people working the front-lines of COVID-19. Beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 20th until Friday, March 27th, all Canadian Government Healthcare workers and First Responders (Police, Fire, Paramedics) will receive 50% off their orders when ordering take-out or drive-thru.

"First responders are working countless hours to help keep Canadians safe and healthy, and we wanted to support them and their families," said David Colebrook, Chief Operating Officer, Harvey's Canada. "We thank our front-line health care workers - you are the heroes right now and we are here for you," added Ron Simard, Chief Operating Officer, Swiss Chalet. 

All Government Healthcare workers and First Responders can take advantage of this offer by simply showing their credentials to our staff. "Our dining room seating is currently closed, but our drive-thrus and takeout are still open, so you can maintain social distance and pick up a bite to eat for yourself and your family after a long day," added Colebrook.

About Harvey's 

Harvey's is an iconic Canadian restaurant chain that has been feeding Canadian families since 1959. Serving delicious flame-grilled burgers made with 100% Canadian beef and topped the way you want them, Harvey's has been a staple in Canadian communities for 60 years.

About Swiss Chalet 

Swiss Chalet is the second largest full-service restaurant chain in Canada, and has been woven into our nation's fabric since 1954. Famous Rotisserie Chicken, fresh-cut fries, smoky BBQ ribs, and signature Chalet Dipping Sauce are core to the brands DNA. Swiss Chalet has been proudly serving Canadian communities through their Dine-In, Take-Out, Pick-Up, Delivery or Drive-Thru channels for the past 65 years.  

SOURCE Harvey's

First Global Livestream to Connect Experts in COVID-19 Summit

Monday March 23^rd 

Free Content over 20 Hours to be Distributed by Facebook and Zoom

NEW YORK, - March 20, 2020 – On Monday, March 23, Boma Global will host COVID-19 Summit, an online 20 hour livestreaming event  about the local and international impacts of COVID-19, convening leading financial, technology and health experts from 10 countries on five continents. This unprecedented virtual event will illuminate the early lessons of this epidemic and explore specific plans of action to address it and is free of charge to the public and members of the media. Facebook and Zoom will make this program available on their platforms at no-cost to all viewers worldwide.

The coronavirus pandemic has become far more than a public health crisis; its effects are far-reaching, from disruption of the global and local economies, education and consumer-facing companies, to its social, physiological and racial implications. 
 

Confirmed speakers for the Boma COVID-19 Summit feature leaders in the specific fields of microbiology, infectious diseases and bioluminescence, as well as recognized leaders in technology, policy and business. Confirmed speakers include Frédéric Bizard, Dr. Larry Brilliant, Dr. Daniel Kraft, Dr. Divya Chander, Dr. Siouxsie Wiles, Professor David Murdoch, and Dr. Rich Kuder. 

To register for the event, sign up at this LINK.   

Session 1:          New Zealand (Christchurch) 6:00 AM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 2:          Japan (Tokyo) 8:00 AM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 3:          China (Beijing) 10:00 AM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 4:          Canada (Toronto) 12:00 PM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 5:          India (New Delhi) 2:00 PM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 6:          Poland (Warsaw) 4:00 PM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 7:          France (Paris) 6:00 PM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 8:          Portugal (Porto) 8:00 PM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 9:          Brazil (Sao Paulo) 10:00 PM UTC — Monday 3/23
Session 10:        U.S. (West Coast) 12:00 AM UTC — Tuesday 3/24

“The Boma network has been designed as a platform to host global conversations that are deeply local at the same time, empowering people and organizations to take meaningful action,” said Lara Stein, co-founder of Boma Global. "Lasting solutions and new protocols cannot be discussed in national silos. But rather require a global conversation of experts of many viewpoints and backgrounds.”

The presentations scheduled include: 

• “What past medical victories tells us about the path forward” Larry Brilliant M.D., chairman, Ending Pandemics, San Francisco, USA
• “Designing the physical environment to stop the spread of infectious diseases” David Saladik, health facility architect in Kigali, Rwanda
• “The path to develop a vaccine” Professor David Murdoch, dean, Otago University, Christchurch, New Zealand
• “Open source frontline medicine” Bart de Witte, founder digital health academy, Berlin, Germany
• “Reducing stress: an online meditation” Jason Xu, mindfulness meditation coach, Beijing, China
• “The psychology of uncertainty” Dr. Rashna E David, psychologist and education consultant, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
• “What lessons can we learn for our health system?” Frédéric Bizard, founder, the Health Institute, Paris, France
• “How to identify a viral infection: advances in diagnosis” Dr. Celso Granato, head of Virology at Grupo Fleury, São Paulo, Brazil
• “Innovation in the time of COVID-19: the state of play” Daniel Kraft M.D., Palo Alto, USA

 “COVID-19 is a global crisis. The mission of the Summit is to create a livestreaming experience that can facilitate knowledge transfer across borders and share carefully curated information,” said Stein. “We want global users to come away with information and actions they can act on in their communities.”

About Boma Global

Boma Global is a global network of local partners offering transformational learning experiences (summits, executive programmes, workshops, etc.) so that, in a world of dramatic and continuous change, we can be more intentional and intelligent about the future. 

Led by Lara Stein, creator of TEDx and former managing director of Singularity University. Boma has eight country partners — France, Germany, New Zealand, China, Canada, Brazil, India and Poland. Boma has joined forces with dozens of country, corporate and community partners with an intimate understanding and appreciation of the power of large-scale, decentralized networks. Together they're creating new global network that supports business leaders, politicians, educators, entrepreneurs, young people and grassroots organizers to navigate our rapidly changing world, helping create a better, more sustainable and human centered future for us all.

Starting an Exercise Routine After an Absence? Here are 5 Tips for Getting Started

Staying fit often contributes to good health and longevity as well as a general sense of wellbeing. People with a consistent exercise routine typically enjoy the greatest benefits. Stopping exercise for reasons like illness or travel can get you off track with your workout schedule. If you have missed more than a few days of exercise, here are a few tips to consider.

Ease into It

After not exercising for several days or weeks, your body may not be ready to resume your regular routine. Start with a reduced amount of exercise and perhaps fewer exercises while increasing your activity a little more with each session until you get back to where you were before. Resuming your routine full-throttle could cause problems or possible injuries.

Take Time to Readjust

In addition to the amount of exercise you begin doing again, you may want to space more time between sessions to give yourself plenty of time to get used to renewed physical exertion. Your muscles, joints, tendons, and bones require time to get accustomed to your former exercise schedule. Don’t rush it and run the risk of injury or a setback due to pain and discomfort.

Consult a Trainer

To ensure that you don’t overdo it, it may be helpful to consult a fitness training expert. The trainer can advise you how to restart your exercise program and offer warmup exercises to help condition your body for increased physical activity. You could schedule a consultation or work with a trainer for a few weeks until you are able to fully resume your exercise plan.

Include Rest and Recovery Breaks

Although you might be eager to get back on a regular exercise program, take adequate rest breaks to let your body recover and respond. Pushing yourself too hard may lead to problems, including overuse of certain muscles or general fatigue. Depending on how long you didn’t exercise, you will need a corresponding amount of time to get back to your exercise routine.

Pause if Symptoms Develop

Although mild muscle soreness may be noticed when you return to exercising, moderate to severe pain indicates a problem. Stop exercising and call your doctor for advice. You may need to exercise less for a period of time or be evaluated by your physician for possible strains or injuries.

Exercise plays a valuable role in maintaining good health. When returning to exercise after missing out for a time, use caution to ensure a smooth transition to your workout routine.

APAC axial spondyloarthritis market to grow moderately over next decade due to uptake of expensive biologic therapies, says GlobalData 

The axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) market across the five growth markets (5GM*) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will experience moderate growth over the next 10 years, which can be attributed to the increased uptake of expensive biologic therapies in India and China along with the imminent arrival of new interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The company’s latest report, ‘Axial Spondyloarthritis: Forecast in Asia-Pacific Markets to 2028’, reveals that the axSpA market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from US$368.6m in 2018 to US$551.6m in 2028. 

Shreya Brahmbhatt, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, says: “An additional driver of the axSpA market is the greater interest and awareness of the non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). This is reflected in the increasing number of approved tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and the on-going late-stage trials of anti-IL biologics for nr-axSpA. The largest barrier to the axSpA market will be the patent expiry of key branded biologic therapies.” 

While the key opinion leaders interviewed by GlobalData were excited at the prospect of new pipeline drugs making it to market, many of them are expected to have a high annual cost of therapy (ACOT), which is expected to hinder patient uptake. As a result, physicians are likely to continue prescribing the currently marketed biologics and biosimilars at a significant rate.  

Brahmbhatt concludes: “Another consideration in this space is the fact that many of the drugs in development are being tested in AS only, but it is expected that label expansion into nr-axSpA will follow. In China and India, for example, clinical trials include AS patients only and AS drugs are prescribed as off-label treatments for nr-axSpA. In Australia, only two anti-TNF biologics are approved currently for nr-axSpA specifically, and patients who have found their condition to be uncontrolled by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will often be prescribed biologics off-label.” 

*5GM: Australia, South Korea, India, China and Japan 

Medical laboratory professionals continue to meet testing demands of Canadian healthcare system during COVID-19

HAMILTON, ON, March 19, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is reassuring Canadians that the medical laboratory professionals who are performing a key role in the management of the current COVID-19 pandemic are amongst the best in the world.  

Normally, Canadians never give a second thought to who is performing their laboratory tests. The Canadian public should be assured by the fact that when it comes to the standards our laboratory professionals are held to, our system rates as one of the strongest in the world. This includes the standards in place for the academic training programs, certification and licensure. 

"Medical laboratory Technologists and Assistants (MLTs and MLAs) are the backbone of our medical diagnostic and public health systems," said Christine Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of CSMLS. "While Canadians do their civic duty by taking social distancing measures, these professionals are taking their place on the frontlines of Canada's pandemic response."

Public and private laboratories are making the operational adjustments needed to ensure increased demands are met in a timely and reliable manner.

"It is important to note that cancer and other chronic diseases have not taken a break amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient care has needed to continue for individuals with a variety of health issues," explained Nielsen. "The lab is a key part of patient care and so while the focus has been on responding to COVID-19, our labs are stepping up to provide care to all patients during this taxing time."

Recognizing that these are extraordinary circumstances, laboratory professionals will continue to provide timely, reliable test results for COVID-19 and other tests ranging from blood and DNA tests, to cancer screening, and other sophisticated medical testing. Some laboratory professionals working outside of the lab have recently been recalled into active duty to support the growing need for testing.

"Like many Canadians, our members are facing challenges in navigating this pandemic and responding to the ongoing changing circumstances in testing demands," states Nielsen. "Canadians can rest assured that medical laboratory professionals will rise to meet the needs of patients in these trying times. We will also continue our work with the federal and provincial governments to communicate and make changes based on ongoing need." 

"Seeing our members respond to this national health issue, I have never been prouder to be a medical laboratory professional," added Nielsen.

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is the national voice and certifying body of Medical Laboratory Technologists and Assistants (MLT/MLAs). Founded in 1937, CSMLS represents over 14,000 members across Canada.

SOURCE Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

How stress and loneliness can make you more likely to get COVID-19
Rice researcher available to discuss link between mental and immune health
 

HOUSTON – (March 19, 2020) – What do stress, loneliness and lack of sleep have in common? They are all factors that can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to COVID-19, according to Rice University's Christopher Fagundes, an associate professor in the department of psychological sciences who studies the link between mental and immune health. 

Fagundes is available to discuss this timely topic as people across the world are socially distancing themselves from others and face stress and uncertainty. 

"In my field, we have conducted a lot of work to look at what predicts who gets colds and different forms of respiratory illnesses, and who is more susceptible to getting sick," Fagundes said. "We've found that stress, loneliness and lack of sleep are three factors that can seriously compromise aspects of the immune system that make people more susceptible to viruses if exposed. Also, stress, loneliness and disrupted sleep promote other aspects of the immune system responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines to over-respond. Elevated proinflammatory cytokine production can generate sustained upper respiratory infection symptoms."

And while this previous research has centered on different cold and upper respiratory viruses, he said "there is no doubt" that these effects would be the same for COVID-19.
 

A previous study by Fagundes looked at the impact loneliness has on immune health. That work indicated that healthy, nonimmunocompromised people who spend less time around others and are exposed to the cold virus are significantly more likely to get sick and experience worse symptoms than those people who get out and socialize.
 

Fagundes said this can be explained by the way positive emotions buffer against stressors and evoke a favorable immune response, even while extroverted individuals are more likely to be around more people, possibly those who are carrying germs that could make them sick. 

It's an interesting paradox during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Fagundes said, when people are strongly encouraged and in some places required to stay at home to prevent the further spread of the virus. 

Another major factor that impacts immune health is sleep deprivation, Fagundes said, which he noted has been demonstrated over and over in previous study of the topic. 

"The overwhelming consensus in the field is that people who do not consistently get a good night's sleep — 7-9 hours for adults, with variation on what is optimal — makes a person more likely to get sick," he said.

Fagundes said that although alcohol use, certain jobs and other factors make some people more likely to have poor sleep, psychological stress has a tremendous impact on a person's quality of sleep. 

"It's important also to note that when we talk about stress, we mean chronic stress taking place over several weeks, not a single stressful incident or a few days of stress," Fagundes said. "An isolated stressful incident does not seem to make a person more susceptible to a cold or the flu." 

However, even absent of poor sleep, chronic stress alone is disruptive enough to the immune system to make people more likely to get sick, Fagundes said. 

"Without question, previous work on this topic clearly demonstrates that chronic stress affects our immune system in a way that makes us more susceptible to viruses and colds," he said. "Just think about college students who get sick after weeks of stress while studying for a big exam."
 

Fagundes said the best ways to mitigate the harmful health effects of loneliness and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic are to stay connected with others through communication, particularly video calls. 

"There is some evidence that it may be better to video conference versus having a regular phone call to reduce feelings of isolation," he said. "There's something about chatting with people and having them visually 'with' you that seems to be more of a buffer against loneliness."

Fagundes also noted that it is important to keep a routine during stressful times.

"This will regulate your sleep and allow you to focus on immediate goals and plans," he said. "In turn, you will overthink things less and feel more accomplished." 

And if you find yourself worrying nonstop about the situation, it can be helpful to set aside specific "worry times," Fagundes said.

"People often worry and overthink things because their brain is telling them there is something to solve," he said. "However, it can be counterproductive after a while. A good technique is to set aside 15 minutes a day where you allow yourself to worry, preferably with a pen and paper. After that, you aren’t allowed to think about the issue for the rest of the day."

Fagundes said it is also sometimes helpful for people to identify inaccurate thoughts that reinforce negative thinking and emotions.

"People often convince themselves that a situation is much worse than it is by telling themselves things that are not true," he said. "We call these cognitive distortions. For example, it is common to catastrophize a situation by convincing themselves that the worst-case scenario is the most likely scenario. When people learn to identify and then refute these thoughts, they often feel much better."

An expert in the field of psychoneuroimmunology, Fagundes studies how stress "gets under the skin" to impact diseases of older adulthood such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive decline. He is also interested in the link between mood and health behaviors and the immune system. He has been quoted in local, national and international media outlets about these topics. More information about him is available at https://psychology.rice.edu/christopher-fagundes. 

To arrange an interview with Fagundes, contact Amy McCaig, senior media relations specialist at Rice, at 713-348-6777 or amym@rice.edu. 

-30-

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related materials:

Fagundes bio: https://psychology.rice.edu/christopher-fagundes

Photo link: https://news-network.rice.edu/news/files/2020/03/190628_-Fagundes_fitlow_030.jpg

Photo credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,962 undergraduates and 3,027 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 4 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

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