Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank all the witnesses for their insightful contributions to the hunt for solutions, because solutions are indeed what we are looking for. I'm going to set the scene. Then, I'd like Dr. Quach-Thanh and Dr. Tremblay to comment.
We still don't know much about the virus. We don't have a vaccine. Since the focus has shifted to reopening the economy, some people have told us that we're going to have to learn to live with the virus, much like we learned to live with AIDS. We're turning to antiviral drugs, but we don't have anything meaningful yet. What's more, we still haven't taken full advantage of serological testing. The country isn't self-sufficient. Various parts of the health care system shut down, only now starting to get back on track. Some health care settings have outbreaks. Front-line workers have had to stop working because they've been infected. Lastly, we know nothing about the quality and longevity of natural immunity.
With all those unknowns, it feels as though we have no choice but to buy time to lessen the impact. That's what is referred to as flattening the curve.
What's the safest pace for easing restrictions?
Is Quebec on the right track, or is it following the path taken by countries that have had to shut things down again?