Global National: Dec. 22

In tonight’s top story: The government is expanding eligibility for its Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit amid new Omicron-related COVID-19 restrictions, allowing any worker to apply for the support if their workplace has been slapped with capacity-limiting restrictions of 50 per cent or more. Anne Gaviola has the details of the latest government pandemic support. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the supports from self-isolation after PMO staff tested positive for COVID-19. Trudeau is telling Canadians to “hunker down” to slow Omicron. Mike Le Couteur has the story. Saskatchewan is not implementing any new restrictions while Alberta is limiting large gatherings, but as Heather Yourex-West reports, new modelling data suggests the Prairies could be in for another rough winter. The NHL officially announced Wednesday it won’t be going to February’s Olympics amid stark coronavirus concerns across the league. Ross Lord has the details. Plus, Redmond Shannon looks at how the pandemic is affecting Christmas tourism and having Santa villages at the worst possible moment.

• NHL moves back to taxi squads to guard season from COVID-19 disruptions