Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, September 25, 2020

There have been 149,094 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 9,249 deaths. 86% of people have now recovered. Labs across Canada tested an average of almost 70,000 people daily over the past week, with 1.4% testing positive.  An average of 1,175 cases have been reported daily across Canada during the most recent seven days.

We are continuing to see an increase in daily case counts nationally, with the most rapid rises in Quebec and Ontario. The number of COVID-19 cases in hospital is also on the rise in these two provinces, as well as in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. These are worrying signs. We know how quickly the virus can spread. These surges in cases can overwhelm public health and health care system resources in localized areas. 

As I said earlier this week, Canada is at a crossroads in the COVID-19 pandemic.  The latest epidemiological analysis and modelling studies show that unless we work together now to slow the spread of the virus, we will face a big resurgence in areas currently experiencing increasing COVID-19 activity.  

We have a chance to prevent a further escalation of the epidemic if we all act together now.  Local public health authorities cannot do this alone.  Each of us must take action to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.  

This is why we all need to re-commit to following the individual protective measures that we know work, including physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing a non-medical mask in closed spaces, crowded places and close contact situations when distancing is difficult.  And most importantly, stay home and self-isolate if you experience any symptoms, even mild ones. 

I also urge everyone to limit their in-person close contacts, as much as possible.  We all have different responsibilities when it comes to being in close contact with others, but remember that every person you encounter brings their whole network of contact history with them. So whenever you can reduce the number of in-person close contacts or the duration of these encounters, you will reduce your risk.

Let’s all do our part to help each other.   Thank you.