Global National: Jan. 30, 2021 | Canadians scrambling home to avoid costly new restrictions

In our top story: The Canadian government insists airlines are working to get those abroad back home. Many flights to popular sun destinations are being cancelled as part of Ottawa's plan to restrict travel and stop the spread of COVID-19. The other component is having to pay to quarantine upon landing back in Canada. So there's a frenzy to get home to avoid the costly bill. Mike Drolet reports.

Alberta is introducing a new framework that allows public health measures to be eased when COVID-19 hospitalizations drop. It goes into effect in February, but some businesses frustrated with the loss of money and tired of the pandemic are already open. Heather Yourex-West reports.

In the U.S., more than 26 million people have tested positive for COVID-19, or one out of every 12 Americans. The Biden administration is pushing Congress to pass its $1.9-trillion relief package to fund a federal vaccine program. As Jennifer Johnson reports, fears are growing over variants spreading across state lines.

COVID-19 vaccines are seen as the lifeline Canadians need to protect themselves, but the country has been dealt a blow with delays. Moderna will ship only about three-quarters of Canada’s next shipment, cutting next week’s delivery by more than 50,000 doses. Pfizer is shipping roughly 80 per cent fewer shots than it initially promised over the next month. Mercedes Stephenson reports on how these delays are impacting the people on the front lines.

We’re learning more about the victims of a tragic three-alarm fire that ripped through a home in Toronto’s east end early Friday morning. Four people were killed and two others were critically injured. The family were part of a tight-knit community and their deaths are having a devastating impact. Morganne Campbell reports.

Whether ordering take-out or buying toilet paper, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have relied on home delivery like never before. But as these demands increase, so does the need for greater efficiency from the warehouse floor to your door. Economists see this as an opportunity to embrace automation. Mike Drolet looks into whether Canada is ready to invest in a new industrial revolution.

One of the oldest Canadians turns 110 years old on Saturday and his birthday is giving postal workers in Beaver Harbour, N.B. a run for their money. Arnold Hawkins is unable to have the type of birthday bash he’s accustomed to due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, his family put out a call requesting birthday cards for Arnold to read and enjoy on his birthday. They received thousands. Travis Fortnum has the story.

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