Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on COVID-19

OTTAWA, May 23, 2020 /CNW/ - In lieu of a daily in-person update to the media, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement today:

"As of Saturday, May 23, there are 82,892 COVID-19 cases, including 6,277 deaths. More than 42,980 or 52 percent of cases are now recovered. Labs across Canada have tested 1,429,000 people for COVID-19 to date, with about 5 percent of these testing positive. We are now testing an average of 28 thousand people daily. These numbers represent what we know at this moment, and change quickly. I encourage Canadians to consult Canada.ca/coronavirus for the latest information.

Provinces and territories across the country are cautiously reopening, and they've been able to do so because of the sacrifices Canadians have made. By staying home as much as possible, and physically distancing from one another when out, we've slowed down the spread of the virus.

Essential workers have made sure that our health care system has been able to cope, our grocery stores are stocked, and our communities have the supplies we need. We are all indebted to their commitment to making sure the most crucial parts of our society continue to service those that need it.

Canadians have also come together to support each other through the COVID-19 crisis. Every province and territory is continuing their efforts on preparedness, including stepping up contact tracing. Research and innovative continues on the development of medical counter measures, including therapies and vaccines.  

This is all to say that while the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with challenges that will continue for the foreseeable future, it has also reminded us of our resiliency as a community, and our capacity to achieve what needs to be done.

Please continue following the guidelines that have been set out by your local health authorities. Go out smart, stay safe, and thank you as always for your ongoing dedication."

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada