Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on July 7, 2020

Statement

OTTAWA -

In lieu of an in-person update to the media, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement today:

“There have been 105 935 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 8,693 deaths. 66% of people have now recovered. Labs across Canada have tested over 2,975,000 people for COVID-19 to date. Over the past week, an average of 38,000 people were tested daily, with 1% testing positive.

Until there is a vaccine or effective treatment, the virus will continue to circulate in our communities. Restarting social and economic activities in the time of COVID-19 is all about striking a balance - resuming priority activities and services with appropriate controls in place to limit both the health and societal impacts of the pandemic. Jurisdictions across the country are moving slowly and cautiously as they strive for an appropriate balance, keeping a close eye on the local epidemiology of COVID-19.

During this reopening phase and as we move forward, individuals will continue to play a key role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. There are steps all Canadians can take to reduce the risk to ourselves and each other:

  • stay home and away from others if you are sick, even if symptoms are mild
  • wash your hands often
  • cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve
  • keep two metres apart from others who are outside of your close contact bubble
  • wear a non-medical mask or face covering in situations where physical distancing may not be possible
  • regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects, and
  • protect vulnerable family, friends and contacts by finding virtual ways to connect and support those who at  higher risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19.

Remember to avoid or strictly limit time spent in high risk settings including:

  • Closed spaces with poor ventilation
  • Crowded places with large numbers of people gathered
  • Close-contact where you can’t keep an optimal two-metres physical distance apart from others

Living with COVID-19 means remaining aware of the risks for exposure in your area and making informed decisions based on the advice and recommendations of your local public health authority. The local epidemiology in each jurisdiction drives what public health measures are required and which activities are permitted. A province or region experiencing more widespread transmission in the community may ask residents to take different measures than in an area where any outbreaks are localised to closed settings.

Visit Canada.ca/coronavirus for the latest case numbers, public health advice and guidance.”

Contacts

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca

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