Did an inspection change lead to more COVID-19 outbreaks? A PC Optimum Heist; CBC's Marketplace Cheat Sheet
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Ontario changed how nursing homes are inspected. What was the impact?
When the Ford government scaled back comprehensive, annual inspections of Ontario nursing homes in 2018, experts say it may have left facilities unprepared and residents vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic. So we teamed up with our colleagues at The National to analyze thousands of Ontario long-term care violations, and found the new system caught 68 per cent fewer infection control infractions. We also dug up an internal government report revealing these "resident quality inspections" were up to five times better at catching infractions. Read more
How did hackers manage to steal over $1,000 in PC Optimum points?
When Chris Eggers and his wife signed up for an in-store text message promotion at a Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart, they thought they'd collect extra PC Optimum points. Instead, Eggers alleges, hackers stole them all. The couple says more than $1,000 in points was stolen from them after thieves redeemed them at a nearby Shoppers. Loblaw Companies Ltd. has apologized and helped the couple recoup their PC Optimum points, but Eggers worries others could have been hacked, too. Read more
Many parents aren't ready to send kids back to school. How to weigh your options
For some, the decision to send their kids back to school was easy. For others, it was hardly black and white. Chloe Yan from Richmond Hill, Ont., is one of thousands of parents in the Greater Toronto Area who decided to keep her kids home from school this year. She decided it was too much of a risk to her parents and mother-in-law, who are all living under the same roof as her eight-year-old daughter, Madison. Read more
Even if you don't love wearing a mask, you'll be thankful you did
They're itchy, sometimes ugly and often annoying. But masks can be the difference between a clean bill of health or a nagging sickness that can harm you and others. Experts warn that at this point in the pandemic, when the benefits of mask-wearing are growing clear — and COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly — Canadians should be donning their masks more, not less. Read more
What else is going on?
Canada's biggest maker of paper towel concerned about supply amid COVID-19 You may want to stock up. But no more than necessary.
How COVID-19 worsens Canada's digital divide The pandemic has further highlighted the urban-rural divide when it comes to internet connectivity.
Loblaws issues national recall for artichoke dip The packaging fails to warn buyers the product may contain egg.
This Kobalt-branded cordless chainsaw has been recalled The product may continue to operate after the trigger has been released, resulting in a potential laceration hazard
Some Goodfood-branded sweet potato bowls have been recalled They may have undeclared almonds, pecans, wheat and gluten.
Marketplace needs your help
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Got a busted cellphone, tablet or laptop? CBC's Marketplace wants to see it and fix it! Our host, David Common, is going to Markham, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 1. And he's putting repair pros to the test: Can they fix your broken tech? Your story might appear on an episode of Marketplace! For an appointment, please contact stephanie.matteis@cbc.ca.
