Now over a month into the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials have already learned some valuable lessons.
That is from Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer.
“The first hard lesson was learned was seeing how one or two cases in a long-term care setting could quickly accelerate into larger outbreaks with devastating consequences,” said Tam.
Tam adds that was just the start of what hs grown into a bigger problem, and the driving force behind the high number of cases in Quebec and Ontario.
She says that if we are to contain COVID-19, we need to contain the spread of the virus, which primarily includes protecting those most vulnerable.
“To prevent similar outbreaks in shelters and other crowded living conditions, we’ve got to build up protections and address vulnerabilities,” said Tam.
As of late Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada was reporting more than 40,100 confirmed cases across the country, including at least 1,974 deaths. More than 612,000 people have been tested to date.
During her update on Wednesday, Tam also stopped to say thank you to all during National Volunteer Week.
“Whether you are reaching out or getting groceries or medicines for our elders, putting together hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness, finding new ways to keep vulnerable populations involved in programming or providing care packages and support to essential workers on the road and on the frontlines
Tam said volunteers are plentiful and critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With files from Stuart Walter.
