Canada’s top health officials are urging residents to “stay the course” and abide by the safety measures put in place to help avoid the spread of COVID-19.
The Public Health Agency of Canada projects that 11,000 to 22,000 Canadians could die of the virus in the coming months.
The agency says short-term estimates are more reliable, and it anticipates 500 to 700 deaths by the end of next week.
Short-term predictions: 22,580 – 31,850 cases of COVID-19 in Canada by April 16. Deaths: 500 – 700. @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/XT5019UTbb
— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) April 9, 2020
The agency revealed Canada is still in its early stages of the fight against COVID-19 and we will not know when it has reached its peak until after it happens.
#BREAKING. Canada’s projections: With strong epidemic control 1%-10% infected, curve flattens by end of Summer. With weaker control, low physical distancing, 25%-50% infected – curve flattens Spring 2021. Officials: Won’t know we have reached the peak ’till on the downward curve. pic.twitter.com/72YBfQoRkX
— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) April 9, 2020
During a news conference Thursday morning, health officials released modelling data with different possible scenarios.
The country’s number of confirmed cases has been increasing more slowly than in other countries but health officials say that what happens next is completely dependent on how Canadians behave in the coming months.
If residents do not follow safety measures implemented to stop the spread, like physical distancing, the death toll could be much higher.
The agency said the battle against the virus will likely take many months and require cycles of tighter and weaker controls.
Watch the full news conference below.
