3,800 total deaths predicted in Canada by early May amid COVID-19 pandemic

Published April 28, 2020 at 5:50 pm

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Canada medical officer of health Dr Theresa Tam says the introduction of the vaccines slowed the mortality rate for COVID-19.

Today (April 28), Dr. Theresa Tam released models that showcased that the number of COVID-19 deaths are expected to rise in Canada by early May.

According to Tam, by May 5, 2020, the number of COVID-19 deaths are expected to reach between 3,277 and 3,883, while the number of cases is predicted to reach between 53,196 and 66,385.

In the announcement, Tam stated that in order to end the pandemic, the transmission of the virus has to be reduced.

As of Tuesday, (April 28), there are at least 49,025 total confirmed cases in Canada and over 2,700 deaths.

According to Tam, 95 per cent of deaths occurred in those 60 and over, 79 per cent of deaths are connected to longterm care homes and 74 per cent of hospitalized cases are those with at least one pre-existing health condition.

45 per cent of cases are men and they are more likely than women to be hospitalized, according to Tam.

According to Tam, each person infected with COVID-19 spread the virus to 2.19 others in the month of March. Currently, the spread is just over one person.

Tam also stated that in order to stop the epidemic, transmission rates must slow down even more and reach under one.

Tam further emphasized that public health measures are still crucial and will remain in place until there is either a high level of immunity or a vaccine to help avoid waves of the epidemic in the future.

Previously, Canada was doubling its cases every three days and the case count now doubles every 16 days.

While the models showcased that the growth of COVID-19 is, in fact, slowing down in Canada, Tam issued an important warning that there could be a “second wave” of infections should Canadians not continue to comply with social-distancing measures.

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press

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