Canada's total COVID-19 case count surpasses 500,000

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Canada has now seen over 500,000 total COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in March.

The country surpassed half a million cases on December 19, as 501,594 cases were reported. Canada only reached 400,000 cases in early December.

Quebec has seen the most virus cases in the country, with 174,839 to date. Ontario has seen 153,614, followed by Alberta with 88,933 cumulative cases. British Columbia has reported a total of 45,400 coronavirus cases.

Government of Canada

On December 11, federal health officials released updated COVID-19 modelling and epidemiology data. They warned that the country could see up to 577,000 COVID-19 cases by Christmas.

“The resurgence of COVID-19 in Canada clearly shows that the current daily case count far exceeded the peak of the first wave,” the country’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, said.

Health Canada approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate on December 9, and immunizations began on December 14.

However, the vaccine is only available to those over the age of 16, as there is not enough data on how it affects younger people. It is also not recommended for people with certain allergies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the country expects to receive 200,000 additional doses next week, and another 500,000 in January 2021.

Canada has deals with seven vaccine manufacturers, including Pfizer, to procure up to 194 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Health officials have the option to purchase an additional 220 million doses if need be.

There are currently 76,044 active COVID-19 cases across Canada.