COVID-19 transmission levels in Canada fall, but caution remains in order

OTTAWA – New federal modeling shows COVID-19 transmission levels are starting to decline and the numbers may continue to drop in the weeks to come.

However, health officials warn that we are not yet clear and people need to continue to be vigilant to avoid another spike in cases.

The cautious optimism comes as Canadians head into the Thanksgiving long weekend.

“The national Rt – or reproduction number – has fallen below 1. This means that for the first time since mid-July, the epidemic has emerged from a nationwide growth pattern,” said Friday Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.

Projections show that if we follow current health measures, we could see a further decline.

“Despite the very real challenges encountered at the height of the current wave…, our efforts give us cause for optimism,” Tam added.

Figures show Canada has seen an average of 3,700 new COVID-19 cases reported daily across the country over the past week – a number well below what was originally expected.

However, infection rates are still very high in some parts of Canada.

Tam says it’s crucial that everyone remains vigilant.

“Canadians, whether fully immunized or not, are urged to continue to follow local public health advice and be vigilant with handy precautions that keep us safer indoors, including masking,” avoid overcrowding and improve ventilation, ”she said.

As we return indoors this fall, remember the importance of good indoor ventilation. One way to improve indoor ventilation is to work with an HVAC professional to:
-Increase the supply of fresh air
-Improve filtration# COVID-19[FEMALE[FEMININEhttps://t.co/jRgyxaqnBF pic.twitter.com/5rwKaJOI1I

– Dr. Theresa Tam (@CPHO_Canada) October 8, 2021

Other health officials have issued similar reminders, urging people to limit Thanksgiving celebrations and not to congregate with unvaccinated people.

Tam says difficult lessons must be learned about the risks of removing public health measures too early, especially in areas where not enough people have been vaccinated.

So far, the rate of eligible Canadians who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is over 85%.