COVID-19 in Canada: 'A fourth wave is underway' -- and one group is leading transmission, Dr. Theresa Tam says
Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, warned the public on Thursday that the country is in the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The latest national surveillance data indicate that a fourth wave is underway in Canada and that cases are plotting along a strong resurgence trajectory," Dr. Tam said.
Across Canada there are now over 13,000 active COVID-19 cases, more than double the total from two weeks ago.
Dr. Tam confirmed that the majority of cases are in the 20 to 39 age group.
After several months of declining severity trends, we’re now seeing early signs of increases in severe illnesses, following the recent increase in cases.Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer
On average, 511 people with COVID-19 are being treated in Canadians hospitals each day, an increase of 12 per cent from last week.
"We need to build up momentum to increase [vaccine] coverage among young adults, the age group where most of the transmission is occurring," Dr. Tam stressed. "This could help reduce the size fo the fourth wave this fall and winter, and help limit its impact on our healthcare system."
Safety for a possible election
With reports of Justin Trudeau's plans to bring Canadians to the polls for a Sept. 20 election, Canada's chief public health officer did say that, if that moves forward, everyone should be following their local public health rules.
"There are public health measures that people have to observe, including local measures on gathering sizes but also best practices in any of those gatherings, mask wearing being one of them, outdoors being better than indoors," Dr. Tam said.
"Anyone whose campaigning must observe those best practices and follow local public health guidance as well."
