OTTAWA — New models released by the federal government show a pandemic paradox is playing out in Canada as more people die from COVID-19, even as the increase in new cases slows down.
Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Thesesa Tam says the number of total cases is levelling out in several provinces.
She credits physical distancing measures meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus for cutting transmission rates in half over the last three weeks.
At the same time, Tam says the models show there will likely be more deaths than initially expected.
The government expects to see between 3,227 and 3,883 deaths by May 5 according to its latest projections.
The greatest challenges are currently in Ontario and Quebec, which account for about 80 per cent of cases in Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2020.
Laura Osman, The Canadian Press