Thank you very much for this opportunity to appear before you today to speak to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we continue to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19, preventing severe illness and death while minimizing societal disruption remain top priorities in Canada's response to the pandemic.
Omicron continues to spread rapidly and is now the dominant strain in Canada. We have seen an unprecedented surge in case counts far beyond what we experienced in previous waves.
The global consensus is that omicron is associated with less severe illness than the delta variant at the individual level. However, given omicron's substantially higher transmission rate, the smaller proportion of infections with serious outcomes is having a bigger impact at the population level. Already, the enormous volume of cases is driving an increase in severe illness trends nationally, and the surge is expected to exceed historical maximums for new daily hospital admissions, which is already having a heavy impact on hospitals across the country.
It is with this in mind that the Public Health Agency of Canada continues to actively engage with provincial and territorial partners to inform public health guidance and share experience, lessons learned and identified best practices.
In particular, PHAC continues to work with and support provinces, territories and indigenous partners on key challenges they are facing in their ongoing COVID‑19 responses, including vaccine supply, treatments, procurement and distribution of N95 respirators, distribution of rapid tests, and surge testing.
To date, a total of over 74 million doses of vaccines have been administered in Canada, as vaccination continues to be crucial for reducing the risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. Canadian and international evidence shows that two doses of COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of hospital admission, including due to omicron infection. Moreover, recent data shows this protection is enhanced by receiving a booster dose following the primary series.
On average, we are seeing positive trends in vaccination rates, with a seven-day rolling average of 375,000 doses administered daily. Nationally, over 88% of eligible Canadians five years of age and older have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while close to 82% are fully vaccinated. In addition, more than 11 million eligible Canadians have received an additional dose as of January 14. Booster doses are particularly important for certain groups, such as health care workers and those at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including older adults, people with high-risk medical conditions and people in and from indigenous communities.
Canada currently has enough mRNA booster doses for all eligible Canadians. However, vaccination alone is not enough. While COVID-19 is still circulating in Canada and internationally, vaccination, including getting an mRNA booster dose as one becomes eligible, continues to be important in combination with timed and targeted public health measures and individual protective practices for slowing COVID-19 infection rates and helping to reduce the impact on health care capacity.
Omicron has shifted the international outlook of COVID‑19. We will continue to monitor our borders, assess risks and ensure testing and public health measures are in place to protect our communities.
We are at a critical point in the pandemic. Keeping infection rates down remains key to mitigating the rise in severe illness trends as much as possible over the coming weeks.
As we push through the omicron surge, continuing to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians through vaccinations, phased border reopening, and the continuation of personal protective measures, such as wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks, will help us save lives and get through this difficult period sooner.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate stress and anxiety for many. Through the Wellness Together Canada online portal, people of all ages across the country can access immediate, free and confidential mental health and substance use supports 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As Canadians continue to demonstrate perseverance and resiliency, despite the duration and the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, I want to thank everyone for their commitment to keeping each other safe.
Thank you. Meegwetch.