Dr. Tam says there's a chance Canada's COVID-19 epidemic curve could drive back up, if we're not careful

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, indicated that the most important factor in the deceleration fo the COVID-19 epidemic curve in Canada is how public health measures are applied by provinces and territories.

"How fast we go down that curve and if we get to bottom of that curve is contingent on the work that they’re doing together with their communities," Dr. Tam said at a press conference on Tuesday. "With variants at play, while vaccinations are going up, we have to be very cautious about that downward path."

"Last time, we only got about two-thirds of the way down the curve and then with some relaxing of restrictive measures we went back up again. There’s still a chance that could happen if we’re not careful."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also warned that Canadians need to keep following the current public health rules in order to see any loosening of restrictions this summer.

Looking at international travel, Trudeau did not give a definitive answer on where Canada stands in the process of reopening the Canada-U.S. border.

"We continue to work very closely with American authorities and Canadian experts on how we can move forward in a way that is safe for Canadians," the prime minister said.

"We know that we are not yet out of this third wave, we know that there are still real concerns around transmission of the virus, but we will continue to work with our partners and hopefully get to a better place when the time is appropriate."