Canada: Elevated COVID-19 activity continues in multiple Canadian provinces through Dec. 2020 /update 11

Event

Canadian authorities identified more than 125,000 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) between Dec. 4-22, bringing the total to 515,314 cases nationwide according to data through Dec. 22. Authorities have identified cases in all provinces and territories; however, most have occurred in the provinces of Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario. The current distribution of cases is as follows: Quebec (179,093 cases), Ontario (158,053 cases), Alberta (91,459 cases), British Columbia (47,067 cases), Manitoba (23,025 cases), Saskatchewan (13,761 cases), Nova Scotia (1,447 cases), New Brunswick (578 cases), Newfoundland and Labrador (382 cases), Nunavut (262 cases), Prince Edward Island (91 cases), Yukon (59 cases), and the Northwest Territories (24 cases). Active cases in the country are increasing. This represents the most complete data available as of Dec. 22.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress