Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, February 5, 2021

There have been 793,734 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 20,513 deaths and less than 48,000 active cases, representing a 30% decrease in active cases across the country compared to two weeks ago. Over the past 7 days, there have been an average of 3,947 new cases reported daily, as case counts continue to decline and many provinces reported over 15% fewer cases, compared to last week. This is definitely good news for some of the most heavily impacted areas of the country, but there is still reason for a caution, as some areas saw more modest reductions or small increases in activity. Likewise, even with the steady two week decline, case counts are still about double what they were at the peak of the first wave so easing of restrictions will need to be done gradually and cautiously. As well, there is continuing concern in Canada and internationally around more transmissible virus variants. To date provinces have reported over 242 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant, with New Brunswick and Saskatchewan reporting their first detections this week, while the number of B.1.351 variant remains at 13 cases.

Despite the cautions we’ve grown accustomed to hearing with our good news, we are assured that our efforts are having an impact, and thankfully, the gradual decline in severe outcomes continues. Over the past week, the average daily number of people with COVID-19 being treated in Canadian hospitals has declined by over 10% to around 3,600, with under 740 in critical care and fatal cases have dropped by over 15% to 121 deaths being reported each day. 

As each day brings us more headway against COVID-19, lets holdfast to the measures we know are working. The past weeks of our collective sacrifice has made a difference, reducing illnesses, saving lives, taking the pressure off our healthcare workforce and building out a longer runway for vaccines access to expand and begin to work for all Canadians. Let’s keep working together and moving forward with our best effort. This weekend many will be watching and rooting for their favourite Super Bowl team – like many events and celebrations during COVID-19, we need to limit in-person contacts to our immediate household and by connecting with others virtually we can still enjoy the Super Bowl, but without the superspreader!

Read my backgrounder to access COVID-19 Information and Resources, including information on vaccination and ways to reduce your risk of infection and spreading the virus to others.