Merci.
I'd like to begin by introducing Sue Ronald, director of marketing, creative services and e-communications at the agency. She will be pleased to answer questions on communications activities and explain Twitter if you like.
As usual, I'm here to provide an update on the H1 flu virus. FluWatch, the national surveillance system, tells us that current activities are still well above the expected range, so it's really not time for complacency. The number of hospitalizations of severe cases and deaths is still increasing, although the rate of increase in hospitalizations is smaller than in recent weeks.
However, there is some promising news. There is now evidence that the rate of influenza illness in many Canadian communities has begun to level off. The number of positive flu tests has fallen and there have been fewer results of flu outbreaks in schools.
Even though we have not yet had any spikes nationally, the level of flu activity in the community shows that we could be starting to reach the height of the season.
Influenza remains unpredictable, though, and reaching the peak of the second wave does not mean the pandemic is over. There remain millions of infections to be prevented. Current flu activity levels are still well above the expected range for this time of year. The numbers of hospitalizations, severe cases, and deaths are still increasing.
Oh. I have that twice.