Statement of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on May 22, 2021

Ottawa, May 22, 2021 / CNW /-

In the past week, we have marked some incredible milestones in the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination coverage, including the delivery of 4.5 million doses of vaccine before the long weekend, There are 20 million vaccines administered nationwide! As provinces, territories, and local communities expand and innovate their vaccination plans, Canadians gradually strengthen their individual vaccination capabilities at every stage, or help and encourage others to get vaccinated. I am inspired by the creative way Canadians support each other and continue to be inspired. The key factors that strengthen our Canadian vaccination efforts are local ownership and leadership. They know best how to bring community members together, provide access, and build confidence and cultural comfort for the people they serve.

Among the many inspiring examples, the Aboriginal Primary Health Care Council and Save the Children’s National Reconciliation Program co-led an Aboriginal youth vaccine awareness program. To this end, young participants created their own innovative social media strategy to share videos on how COVID-19 affects them and why they were vaccinated. By searching their tags, their videos can be found on several social media platforms, including #IndigenousYouth4Vaccine and #SmudgeCOVID. Among the many important local examples, there are many vaccination clinics that use music to create a passionate atmosphere, such as the vaccination clinic organized by the Heixi Community Health Center. Community members are welcome to use music to increase morale and create a positive atmosphere, while also receiving support from reliable information and answers to questions to help them make informed and confident decisions. These measures remind us that working together is the best way to support each other. This is our common goal, which is to build a vaccine bridge, so that we can move to a new stage. Summer is better, autumn is better.

As COVID-19 activities continue, Canada, We are tracking a series of epidemiological indicators Monitor where the disease is most active, where it is spreading and how it affects the health of Canadians as well as public health, laboratory and healthcare capabilities. Simultaneously, Canada Canadians are being provided with regular updates on COVID-19 vaccination, Vaccination rate And keep monitoring Vaccine safety All over the country. The following is an updated summary of the number and trends of countries, and the actions we all need to take to reduce vaccination rates, while expanding the vaccination program to protect all Canadians.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 1,352,121 COVID-19 cases, of which 57,970 active cases and 25,162 deaths have been reported. Canada; These cumulative figures tell us the overall burden of COVID-19 disease so far. They also told us that, together with the results of the serological study, The vast majority of Canadians are still susceptible to COVID-19.Multiple safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine with unique advantages is authorized for use Canada. As vaccine delivery continues to accelerate, people are increasingly optimistic that broad and lasting immunity can be achieved through COVID-19 vaccination.Seeing benefits in people who are prioritized for vaccination, and Vaccine coverage Span Canada, We expect that in the coming weeks and months, there will be more benefits to protect more Canadians.

We are developing steadily. Compared with the peak of the third wave in mid-April, the number of active cases has been reduced by more than 30%.However, since COVID-19 activity is still high in many jurisdictions, Public health measures Must be used continuously where COVID-19 is circulating, and Individual preventive measures It is important everywhere to reduce the infection rate to a manageable low level, while keeping our vaccination rate as high as possible. In addition, in the past long weekends and holidays, with the rise of social gatherings, the wave of recovery has continued, so maintaining preventive measures during this long weekend is crucial to maintaining our progress.

Although the latest national data show that disease activity continues to decline, an average of 5,004 cases per day have been reported during the last 7 days (May 14-20), a drop of 26% compared to the previous week, and the daily infection rate in many parts of the country is still high.In a week May 9-15, An average of 110,492 tests completed per day Canada, Of which 5.6% were positive for COVID-19, compared with 6.0% in the previous week. Until the vaccine coverage is high enough to affect the wider spread of the disease in the community, we must maintain a high degree of caution in public health and personal measures, and do not relax restrictions prematurely or prematurely in places with high infection rates.

Higher infection rates continue to affect the lagging COVID-19 severity indicators, especially in areas where disease activity continues to be high. Although we are beginning to see a decline in these trends, the continued large number of serious and serious diseases has brought long-term and heavy pressure on the health system and medical staff. Provincial and regional data show that in the last 7 days, an average of 3,458 COVID-19 patients received treatment in Canadian hospitals every day (May 14-20), a decrease of 10% from last week. This includes on average 1,311 people treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), a 4% decrease from last week. Although the mortality trend has stabilized recently, the 7-day average number of deaths reported every day is 41 days (May 14-20), continued high infection rates and large numbers of hospitalizations and intensive care may continue to affect this trend.

Although COVID-19 occurs in all age groups Canada, The infection rate is the highest among people under 60.Serious illness can occur at any age, and the evidence shows Variables of concern may be related to more serious diseases and higher risk of death. Variable of Concern (VOC) Now represents the majority of COVID-19 cases, Canada, B.1.1.7 variants are currently reported in all provinces and regions, accounting for more than 95% of the VOCs ranked so far. Since the B.1.1.7 variant spreads faster and is more severe, and the vaccine may be less effective against other variants (such as P.1 and B.1.351 variants), it is more important to stay vigilant and take everything Possible measures to curb proliferation.This Recently specified VOCAs of B.617.1, it has been determined in all provinces and a region May 19, 2021. Three sub-pedigrees are being studied, and they may have different attributes.Early data from United Kingdom It is pointed out that the B.1.617.2 subline may be more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 variant, and laboratory data indicate that this subline does not significantly affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. The B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 sub-lineages are little known, but they are less affected by vaccines such as P.1 and B.1.351. Although the impact of B.1.617 variants and sub-lineages is still being evaluated to characterize its impact in Canada, we know that vaccination combined with public health and individual measures can reduce transmission.

As Vaccine eligibility With the expansion of vaccines, people call for Canadians to get vaccinated and support others to get vaccinated. However, regardless of our vaccination status, Canadians should be urged to remain vigilant, continue to follow local public health recommendations, and, as always, maintain personal practices to make us and our families safer, even if we start to see COVID-19 The positive effects of vaccines: Stay at home/self-isolate If you have any symptom, Consider the risk And minimize unnecessary activities and outings, Avoid all unnecessary travel, And maintain the following personal protective measures: Physical distance, Hand cough with surface Hygiene and Wear a suitable mask (Including being in an indoor or outdoor public space with someone outside of your immediate family).

For more information about the risks and benefits of vaccination, I encourage Canadians to contact you. Local public health department, A healthcare provider or other trusted source of trust, such as Canada.ca with Immunize.ca. work together, health Canada, This Department of Public Health Canada, National Immunization Advisory Committee, Canadian The Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health is closely related to other health professionals across the country Monitor vaccine safety, Effectiveness and best use to adapt the method.With the development of science and the situation, we are committed to providing clear and clear guidance so that everyone can Canada Safe and healthy.

Canadians can also redouble their efforts by sharing Credible Related information COVID-19 risks and preventive measures with Measures to reduce COVID-19 in the community And download Coronavirus disease warning The app can break the infection cycle and help limit the spread of COVID-19.Read my background profile to access more content COVID-19 information and resources On ways to reduce risks and protect yourself and others, include information about: COVID-19 vaccination.

Source: Department of Public Health Canada

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