Canada: COVID-19 activity surges in multiple Canadian provinces during recent weeks in late 2020. Maintain strict basic health precautions. /update 10

Event

Canadian authorities identified more than 100,000 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during the three week period of Nov. 12-Dec. 3, bringing the total to 389,775 cases nationwide according to data through Dec. 3. Many provinces have doubled or nearly doubled their confirmed cases during this period. 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 (146,532 cases), Ontario (121,746 cases), Alberta (63,023 cases), British Columbia (35,422 cases), Manitoba (17,751 cases), Saskatchewan (9,244 cases), Nova Scotia (1,343 cases), New Brunswick (520 cases), Newfoundland and Labrador (340 cases), Nunavut (198 cases), Prince Edward Island (73 cases), Yukon (50 cases), and the Northwest Territories (15 cases). Active cases in the country are increasing. This represents the most complete data available as of Dec. 3.

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

US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Employers

US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities

Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak

US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress

US CDC Travel Health Notice for Canada

WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19

WHO advice for international travel