Canada’s national projections for the effects of COVID-19 pandemic have been released by federal health officials, stating that even with strong containment measures, the death rate may continue to rise.
Canada’s top doctor, Dr. Theresa Tam, unveiled that there could be nearly 32,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with between 500 and 700 deaths in Canada by April 16th, and anywhere from 11,000 to 22,000 deaths over the whole course of the pandemic.
These projections were reported Thursday morning, as health officials released modelling data for how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could continue to affect the country.
They also suggested that measures such as physical distancing and quarantines could remain in place for months ahead, as the first wave of the pandemic is predicted to last until summer.
“While some of the numbers released today may seem stark, Canada’s modelling demonstrates that the country still has an opportunity to control the epidemic and to save lives. We cannot prevent every death, but we must prevent all the deaths we can,” said Dr. Tam in a statement.
She reiterated the need to control the pandemic by using tried and true measures like physical distancing and staying home as much as possible.
Based on their modelling, the Public Health Agency of Canada concluded that Canada is currently in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from other countries have shown how the transmission of the virus and its effects can be controlled through public health measures.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed these projections in his daily address, saying that it may not be easy to continue those measures because of the duration of the first wave, with other outbreaks erupting after that.
“This will be the new normal until a vaccine is developed,” he said.
He also said some experts estimate it will take six to eight months to develop a vaccine, while others suggest it could take a year to 18 months.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam specified during the Thursday morning briefing in Ottawa that the predictions aren’t a guarantee of what will happen, but are part of the worst-case scenario.
