NOW Magazine
Socializing is essential. Here are 11 creative ways to have fun remotely
From virtual dinner parties to book clubs, these activities will lift your spirits during lockdown By Kelsey Adams, Julia Mastroianni, Kevin Ritchie, Glenn Sumi and Richard Trapunski
Jan 21, 2021
It’s gonna be a long winter.
Toronto is in lockdown again and at the worst possible time: the grey doldrums of January. With public health officials urging us all to stay home except for essential reasons, we’re left with few ways to safely connect with others outside our own households. While getting exercise, de-stressing and self-care are all important ways to improve mental health under lockdown, so is seeing other people.
NOW Magazine
Toronto apartment vacancy rate is the highest in 50 years
The vacancy rate in reached 5.7 per cent by the end of 2020, compared with 1.1 per cent in the same period a year earlier By Julia Mastroianni
The vacancy rate for apartment buildings in Toronto has hit a 50-year high.
According to an Urbanation survey of purpose-built rental apartments built since 2005 found the vacancy rate was 5.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020.
During the same period a year prior, the vacancy rate was 1.1 per cent.
The survey examined historical data from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation data that dates back to 1971.
Shame and blame will not save you from COVID-19, experts say The second you get that positive test, you re now seen as a negligent human being By Julia Mastroianni
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When Stephan Adams tested positive for COVID-19 in July, he was living in Montreal. The 22-year-old student and customer experience specialist felt lucky because he was asymptomatic during his two-week quarantine period.
Unfortunately, his roommate came down with more serious symptoms.
But he also felt something else. Adams wasn’t prepared for the shame and stigma from family and friends that lasted months after he was deemed no longer infectious.