It’s time for Canadians to cut back in their socializing to fight second wave, Dr. Tam says

Country could see COVID-19 case counts increase to 8,000 per day by early December, unless Canadians cut one quarter of contacts

New federal projections suggest that Canadians need to cut a quarter of their contacts to keep the COVID-19 outbreak under control.

The government released forecasts Friday indicating that at current rates of socializing in person, Canada could see COVID-19 case counts increase to 8,000 per day come early December. If Canadians reduce their rates of contact by 25 per cent, that number cold drop below 2,000, according to the modelling.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said Canada has lost its lead in our ongoing “dance” with COVID-19 after curbing cases over the summer, and taking it back will require discipline.

“What comes next for us this fall and winter is for every one of us to determine through our decisions and our actions,” Tam told a news conference. “Letting down our guard and letting this virus win is not an option.”

Tam urged Canadians to limit their contact with others by as much as possible, including shrinking social bubbles and maintaining physical distance in public places.

Tam said further restrictions and closures may be needed to reinforce these practices in communities where the virus is surging.

In Ontario, a plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions in the province’s hot spots is coming next week, Premier Doug Ford said Friday, indicating he’s asked health advisors for a strategy to allow shuttered businesses to safely re-open.

Ford’s comments came a day after provincial health officials suggested the growth of the pandemic is slowing in Ontario, but warned the situation could quickly worsen again. The premier said restrictions placed on Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa on Oct. 10 were always intended to be a short-term solution.