COVID-19 numbers continue to decline in Canada.

Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says total active and daily case numbers are 95% less than the peak of the 3rd wave of the pandemic, with less than 500 new cases daily.

“As well, with overall lower infection rates and increasing vaccination coverage, severe illness numbers are much reduced compared to the peak of the third wave,” Tam said. “There has been more than 80 percent reduction in the average daily number of people with COVID-19 being treated in our hospitals each day.”

However, health officials warn Canada hasn’t reached the finish line just yet. Tam says she’s pleased with the number of inoculations that have gone into people’s arms.

“To date, over 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given in Canada, which equates to over 26 million — or 78 percent of people aged 12 years or older — in Canada with at least one dose.”

Meanwhile, questions continue being raised about opening the border. Tam the current stance is fully vaccinated travelers have the right of entry.

“There is a reduction in some of the border measures, including the full quarantine,” Tam said. “We do of course advise people to keep up some of the personal protective measures and reduce spread to others potentially until their tests come back, but they don’t have to quarantine.”

The border has been closed since March of last year.

{CJGX}