Good evening, we’re updating the coronavirus newsletter to better reflect the pandemic as it changes. What would you like to see included? Send your thoughts to audience@globeandmail.com

       Top headlines:

       The fourth wave, the Delta variant and back-to-school: We answer the pressing questions Those who are fully vaccinated have a high potential of spreading the Delta variant, says a British study, making herd immunity much more elusive A Calgary woman who contracted COVID-19 earlier this year was considered dead for 30 minutes then brought back to life with a new device, believed to be a first in Canada In the past seven days, 15,468 cases were reported, up 37 per cent from the previous seven days. There were 92 deaths announced, up 56 per cent over the same period. At least 691 people are being treated in hospitals and 1,414,311 others are considered recovered.

       Canada’s inoculation rate is 9th among countries with a population of one million or more people.

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       Sources: Canada data is compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data is from Johns Hopkins University.

       Coronavirus explainers: Coronavirus in maps and charts ？ Tracking vaccine doses ？ Lockdown rules and reopening

       Photo of the day Open this photo in gallery

       A woman poses for a photo after receiving a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic for those 18-29 years old, in Xochimilco, on the outskirts of Mexico City, Mexico, on Aug. 19, 2021.

       EDGARD GARRIDO/Reuters

       Coronavirus in Canada An Ontario MPP who is refusing to get vaccinated has been removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus. The province reported 531 new COVID-19 cases today. Meanwhile, the City of Toronto announced it will require COVID-19 vaccines for its staff. Mayor John Tory said workers will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status by Sept. 13. Alberta is reporting 817 new cases of COVID-19 – the highest daily count since mid-May. And, the province’s health ministry says a woman who contracted COVID-19 and was considered dead for 30 minutes was brought back to life by physicians using a new device. It’s believed to be a first in Canada. Meanwhile, amid the turmoil of the pandemic and a series of political challenges, Jason Kenney’s principal secretary is leaving the Premier’s office. Two universities and one college in Manitoba announced today that they will require vaccination for anyone returning to their campuses in September. A handful of faculty groups at McGill University in Quebec are calling for the school to implement a vaccine mandate. British Columbia has reported 689 new cases of COVID-19 today, with the majority of cases attributed to the Interior Health region. Across Canada, children and teenagers have accounted for about 1 in 5 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, and some experts anticipate that figure could rise during the fourth wave as millions of unvaccinated children return to school.

       In provinces that have lifted measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, the Delta variant will likely spread quickly through schools and child-care settings this fall. In the worst-case scenario, some experts say, millions of children could be infected. Coronavirus around the world A study out of Britain found that fully vaccinated people who became infected with the Delta variant had the same viral load – the amount of virus particles in their bloodstream – as those who had not been immunized. Australia reported 754 cases on Thursday – the country’s highest daily case count. The tally surpassed the previous single-day high of 738 cases in August of last year. Coronavirus and business The Royal Bank of Canada is the first Big Six bank and the largest domestic financial institution to introduce a vaccine mandate.

       All employees in Canada and the U.S. must attest that they are fully vaccinated by Oct. 31 to return to offices, branches and other RBC buildings. Has the pandemic driven consumers to ditch cash?

       Major leaps in payment-processing technology can be credited for this sweeping transition that has made it easier for small businesses to thrive where cash is commonly king – at farmers’ markets, food trucks and neighbourhood pop-up events. For pandemic-weary city-dwellers, Swimply is like Airbnb – but for swimming pools.

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       The California-based Swimply provides a forum for homeowner “hosts” to rent out their backyard oases by the hour. And, it turns out, there are people who would pay good money for the chance to escape for an hour or two to a private piece of paradise. Globe opinion Gary Mason: Unions are out of step with the public on vaccine mandates More reporting Neil Young won’t perform at Farm Aid over COVID-19 concerns Information centre Everything you need to know about Canada’s travel restrictions for vaccinated and unvaccinated people Waiting for a second dose? We answer your COVID-19 vaccine questions What is and isn’t ‘paid sick leave’ in Canada? A short primer Got a vaccine ‘hangover’? Here’s why Sources: Canada data are compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins University and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data are from Johns Hopkins.

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