COVID-19 case increase concerns Canada top health officials
Posted July 17, 2020 12:12 pm.
Last Updated July 17, 2020 12:18 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The federal public health agency is worried about the recent rise in the daily case counts of COVID-19 as more businesses reopen across Canada.
Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo says this increase may be linked to people who are looking to party during the pandemic.
“This coincides with increasing reports of individuals contracting COVID-19 at parties, nightclubs, and bars, as well as increasing rates of transmission among young Canadians in some jurisdictions across the country,” he says.
“I think it is concerning that we’re seeing the data show us a greater proportion of cases are now among young adults – those less than 40.”
Njoo adds dancing, singing, and mingling in close contact with others in indoor places are ideal ways to spread the coronavirus.
He wants all Canadians, especially young people, to find creative ways to have fun but stay apart this summer.
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While Njoo says he understands there is pandemic fatigue, he is urging people to avoid locations with poor ventilation or where physical distancing is difficult, while cautioning people that indoor activities pose a higher risk for transmitting the COVID-19.
He also notes Canada’s success in flattening the curve, but “our relative success is fragile.”
This comes as Ontario readies to move into its next stage of reopening, which includes bars and indoor services at restaurants.
In Vancouver, health authorities have warned of COVID-19 exposure at the Belmont Hotel’s night club and bar area earlier this month, as well as cases at the No.5 Orange and Brandi’s Exotic Show Lounge.
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Meanwhile, in Kelowna, cases have been linked to Canada Day celebrations, which as of Thursday’s provincial COVID-19 update, at least 27 cases have been connected to.
–With files from 680 NEWS
