Canada could see up to 30,000 COVID-19 cases per day by February

Jan 15 2021, 3:46 pm

Canada could see 30,000 new COVID-19 cases per day by February if people increase their contacts, according to new federal data.

At a press conference on Friday, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, released updated COVID-19 modelling data.

The country is currently forecasted to have 10,000 new COVID-19 cases per day by the end of January, Tam said. Increased hospitalizations and deaths are expected to follow the rising case numbers.

If Canadians increase the number of people they come in contact with each day, that number jumps to 30,000 cases.

Canada COVID-19

“Bending the curve of this resurgence – the blue line of the trajectory – requires urgent, consistent, strong, and combined efforts of individuals and local authorities.”

Tam urged health authorities in provinces that have seen a rapid rise in cases, such as Ontario and Quebec, to implement strong restrictions, closures, and control measures, to immediately reduce contact rates.

If measures are relaxed too soon, the epidemic will resurge even stronger, Tam noted.

“Measures need to be consistent and sustained long enough to sufficiently suppress epidemic growth to allow for lasting control,” she said.

The short-term forecast, which Tam said continues to be accurate in predicting the virus’ growth, shows that by January 24, Canada could see up to 796,630 COVID-19 cases and 19,630 deaths.

Canada COVID-19

Public Health Agency of Canada

Tam said that Canada needs to flatten the curve once again and urged people to continue to follow local public health advice and reduce any non-essential activities and outings.

“We know that Canadians are tired and that the winter months will be very challenging,” Tam said. “Often, the end of the race is the hardest part, but it won’t last forever.”

“For now, we must redouble our efforts at this pivotal moment and get this done.”

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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