Encouraging news but the danger of COVID-19 variants still remain in Canada.
Federal officials on Friday reported that daily case counts are dropping and there are less cases of severe illness as a result of the virus.
“The number of people experiencing severe and critical illness is significantly lower since overall infection rates continue to decline,” said Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer. “The latest seven day average for the number people with COVID-19 being treated in our hospitals each day has dropped by almost 75 per cent since peak activity, to about 1,100 daily. Of these on average 530 are being treated in intensive care units.”
There are ongoing calls for the easing of restrictions, but Tam cautions we still should progress cautiously until more of the population is vaccinated.
“One should still expect circulation of COVID-19, so I think careful reopening is important,” explains Tam, “That will help keep virus levels low and enables everyone to be able to do more.”
The health officer goes on to say variants could cause issues in the coming months.
“The Delta variant has the potential to cause a stronger resurgence this fall or winter,” warns Tam, “Increased vaccine uptake can help to counteract the potential impact. With at least 80 per cent of the population aged 12 to 54 years old fully vaccinated before we ease individual precautions such as masking and distancing, we could resist a strong resurgence.
She goes on to say vaccinating the younger generation is crucial as they tend to have more significant social life, and are more likely to interact with people outside of their bubble.
Over 43 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered across Canada.
By the middle of the week of June 28, it is expected 50 million vaccine doses will be available in Canada.
That supply is enough to vaccinate 75 per cent of the eligible population in Canada.
