The Current

The Current for Dec. 9, 2020

Today on The Current: Tough COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta; Rebecca Giggs on why whales loom large in our collective imagination; COVID-19 “long-hauler” clinics are popping up in Canada; and remembering lawyer Joseph Arvay and the landmark cases he worked on.
Matt Galloway is the host of CBC Radio's The Current. (CBC)

Today on The Current:

As Alberta imposes tough new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, we talk to emergency room physicians Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Yael Moussadji about whether the new measures go far enough. And we hear from restaurant owner Leslie Echino, who understands the need for restrictions but is worried her business won't survive.

Plus, science writer Rebecca Giggs discusses her book Fathoms: The World in the Whale, and why the mammals loom large in our collective imagination. Giggs tells us about whales' role in everything from our ventures in space, to protecting us from climate change.

Then, B.C. woman Katy Mclean was diagnosed with COVID-19 nearly four months ago, but still has lingering symptoms. She tells us what that's been like. Plus, Dr. Angela Cheung discusses why some patients become "COVID long-haulers," and what treatments are being explored to help alleviate their symptoms.

And B.C. lawyer Joseph Arvay died Monday, leaving a legacy of landmark cases from same-sex marriage and assisted dying, to enshrining the right to collective bargaining. Former B.C. attorney general Andrew Petter joins us to remember his colleague and friend.

Full Episode Transcript