National

Five key facts from Canada's COVID-19 projections

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Jan, 2021 09:28 PM

The federal government's latest COVID-19 projections show fast, strong and sustained measures are required to interrupt rapid growth cases and deaths.

Here are five things to know from federal modelling data released Friday:

Rising Deaths

The number of deaths related to COVID-19 is steadily rising, reaching more than 17,500 as of Thursday. The latest data show another 2,000 people could die by Jan. 24 as the seven-day average number of deaths nears levels recorded at the peak of the pandemic's first wave in May.

Rising Cases

Canada could see 10,000 daily infections in a little over a week as outbreaks in Ontario and Quebec drive rapid growth. The data also highlight high numbers in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The latest seven-day average was 7,900 cases each day across the country.

Rapid Growth

In the longer term, Ottawa says Canada remains on a "rapid growth trajectory." The data show COVID-19 will continue to surge if Canadians maintain the current number of people they're in contact with each day. The pandemic would surge faster if people increase their contacts. Outbreaks are forecast to come under control in most locations if people follow public health rules and limit contacts to essential activities.

Outbreaks in Long-term Care

Infections are escalating among high-risk people aged 80 and older. The data show more outbreaks in long-term care homes and retirement residences now than during the first wave. The federal government says the number of active outbreaks is underestimated due to reduced reporting last month, while a modelling chart shows it's close to 400 countrywide.

Rising Hospitalizations

The number of people in hospital due to COVID-19 has been rising steadily in the five hard-hit provinces. Hospitalizations are highest per capita in Manitoba, followed by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Ontario and B.C.

The data came as federal officials revealed deliveries of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine have been temporarily reduced due to production delays in Europe.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.

Benjamin James Gilleland, a 35-year-old resident of Surrey, was held in custody to be brought before a judge on the outstanding warrant, while the other two occupants were released at the scene.

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week

Up to 400,000 B.C. residents can get a shot in the arm by the end of March. Dr. Henry says prioritizing those who work at care homes will protect the elderly, who can't travel to sites where the vaccine must be administered because it needs to be kept at a very cold temperature.

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week

Lines drawn for first ministers' health meeting

First ministers are scheduled to meet via conference call Thursday — a long-awaited meeting that was supposed to be devoted to the premiers' unanimous call for a big increase in the annual federal transfer to provinces and territories for health care.

Lines drawn for first ministers' health meeting

U.S. takes fresh aim at Canada's dairy farmers

The U.S. has made an official request for consultations to address Canada's limits on a variety of dairy products — an initial step in the first enforcement action under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement since the deal took effect in July.

U.S. takes fresh aim at Canada's dairy farmers

CBSA manager told not to take notes on Meng arrest

Goodman testified she wanted to create a case summary or timeline of events, but MacVicar warned that the record could later be obtained through an access to information request.

CBSA manager told not to take notes on Meng arrest

Permanent fishway to be built at Fraser landslide

But Fisheries and Oceans says record-breaking high water levels in the Fraser River this year affected the migration of salmon that are already facing threats including habitat degradation and warming ocean waters.