Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on June 22, 2020

Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, June 22, 2021

June 22, 2021 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Nationally, 7-day rolling averages continue to decline. Our current national case count is down to 900 new cases reported daily. On average 1,244 people with COVID-19 are being treated in our hospitals each day, including 573 in intensive care units and an average of 21 deaths are being reported daily.

The progress we've made in just 10 weeks since the peak of the third wave is gratifying to see. Not only have we persevered through many difficult weeks, we have shown great strength as a country. By keeping up with precautions and weathering restrictions, we have reduced national case counts by over 90% and significantly reduced hospitalisation numbers, which is helping the health system as it begins to recover. At the same time, public health authorities across the country have more than tripled the number of vaccine doses given from 10 million, up to mid-April, to over 32 million to date.

This is thanks to a rapid increase in vaccine uptake as Canadians have come forward in record numbers, adapting to new information, navigating through new systems, and creating information sharing networks and supports. These efforts have helped elevate Canada to the top 10% of countries with the highest per capita number of vaccine doses given worldwide.

Although COVID-19 is still presenting us with challenges, including emerging variants that spread faster and cause more severe illness, we've shown that we have what it takes to control this disease. Our sacrifices through the winter and spring bent the curve as vaccines were rolled out. Now, based on the latest unofficial numbers, we have already surpassed our initial targets with over 75% of the population 12 years or older with at least one dose and over 20% fully vaccinated. But, this is not the time or place to stop.

Meeting these initial targets has brought us greater safety, allowing jurisdictions to start the cautious easing of restrictions that will give us the better summer we've worked so hard for. However, the job is not done, with COVID-19 still circulating in Canada and worldwide, we need to remain vigilant, while keeping up the momentum to build a higher wall of vaccination protection for the fall. So, whether you are ready for your first dose, nearing your second dose or fully vaccinated and able to help others who may need information, assistance or other supports, let's keep working together and get Canadians protected and vaxxed to the max!

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.

Contacts

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