Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada dated 9 November 2020



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OTTAWA, HON, November 9, 2020 / CNW / – Instead of submitting an in-person update to the media, the D.re Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, today released the following statement:

“As the resurgence of COVID-19 continues in Canada, we are monitoring a range of epidemiological indicators to determine where the disease is most transmitted, where it is spreading and its impact on the health of Canadians and the capacity of public health services, laboratories and health care system. Below is the most recent summary of national numbers and trends and the steps we all need to take to keep the number of COVID-19 cases at manageable levels across the country.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 264,113 cases of COVID-19, including 10,522 deaths in Canada; these cumulative numbers tell us about the overall COVID-19 burden to date. As these numbers are high and continue to grow and many regions are growing rapidly, it is important to remember that the vast majority of Canadians remain vulnerable to COVID-19. That is why it is important that everyone continue to take individual precautions to ensure their own safety and that of their families and communities.

Currently, there are 38,586 active cases nationwide. The latest national data show daily averages of over 3,350 new cases (from 30 October to 5 November) and that nearly 61,000 people were tested, of which 4.7% were positive (from 25 to 31 October). Outbreaks ranging in size from a few cases to large groups of cases are reported in a variety of settings, including long-term care and assisted living facilities, schools, collective housing facilities, industrial workplaces and large social gatherings.

Since we tend to do our business indoors in cold weather, I advise Canadians to avoid tight spaces, crowded places and close contacts as much as possible. Large clusters tell us that confined spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close contact situations can amplify the spread of the virus. Informal social gatherings and activities can also be opportunities for propagation. In such relaxing settings, such as family celebrations, celebrations and recreational activities, carelessness and the lack of enforcement of public health measures, such as physical distancing and wearing a mask, can lead to exposure of many viruses and infections. These are the reasons why I recommend that everyone wear the non-medical mask or headgear when spending time indoors with people who are not part of your family.

The number of seriously ill people continues to increase. Provincial and territorial data show that an average of 1,200 people with COVID-19 were treated in Canadian hospitals each day during the last seven-day period (October 30 to November 5), including 225 in a therapy unit intensive. During the same period, an average of 44 COVID-19-related deaths were reported every day.

As hospitalizations and deaths tend to occur one to several weeks after disease transmission increases, it is worrying that we have yet to see the magnitude of the serious consequences associated with the continued increase. of the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the number of cases of influenza and respiratory infections generally increases during the fall and winter, putting greater pressure on hospitals. This is why it is so important that people of all ages continue to follow public health practices that help keep rates of respiratory infections low.

Canada it needs a collective effort to sustain and sustain the public health response until the end of the pandemic, balancing the health, social and economic consequences. To do this, we need to get COVID-19 back on track by reducing the number of our close contacts as much as possible and always following key public health measures to the letter: stay at home or be isolated if you have any symptoms. symptoms, keep a physical distance, wear a mask if necessary and observe hygiene measures: frequent hand washing, respiratory etiquette in case of cough, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces

Canadians can also do more by disseminating information credible on the risks of COVID-19 and on prevention practices and measures to reduce COVID-19 in communities and on downloading the COVID Alert app to limit the spread of COVID-19.

As a new week approaches, I reflect on the importance of adopting good personal habits as we learn to live with COVID-19. One of the useful habits is to remember to wear the mask when you go out: in addition to putting on a hat and gloves, we bring our mask! The key is to layer the layers of protection. What happens in the fall and winter depends on the decisions and actions of each of us. Let’s flatten the COVID-19 curve together! Check out my backgrounder for more information and resources on how to reduce the risks of COVID-19 and protect yourself and others. “

SOURCE Canadian Public Health Agency

For more information: Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]

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