We have said Canada has had a better experience with COVID-19 as compared to the United States. Better federal government action on the virus and financial help for its citizens. A slower pace of cases and deaths than the southern neighbours.
Canada, west of the Atlantic provinces and south of the territories, is going through a rough patch in what is the third wave in the country. The Brazilian variant has been particularly troublesome for the population. The numbers are tracking toward younger people getting sick.
Over the Easter weekend, Canada went over the 1 million mark in COVID-19 cases.
The focus in Canada has been more on the vaccine numbers as in "why are Americans getting more vaccine." The Toronto Star reported as of Friday, "101.8 million people in the U.S. have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, 31 per cent of the adult population. In Canada, the number is five million first doses, or just shy of 14 per cent of the adult population." In the spirit of disclosure, your humble narrator has had the first dose, something that may not have happened in Canada.
My Twitter feed has exploded with how vaccines are getting to the people who need them, especially in Ontario. The idea of getting a first shot and then waiting 4 months before the second shot seems like something Canadians should not have to confront, yet they are in some places.
Here is to hoping the vaccine situation gets so much better in Canada. Even if you are partially or completely vaccinated, still take precautions on masks and social distancing.
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We wanted to give some perspective on the countries in a side-by-side COVID-19 comparison. These numbers are courtesy of Worldometers as of last night.
Cases and deaths
Country | Cases | Deaths | Active Cases |
United States | 31,420,331 | 568,777 | 6,904,851 |
Canada | 1,003,988 | 23,062 | 58,402 |
The United States ranks 1st rather easily. Brazil and India have just under 13 million cases. Canada ranks 23rd on the list.
Canada has a 2.30% death rate (death/cases) versus the U.S. with a 1.81% death rate. This doesn't factor in the undercounting of cases, especially in certain U.S. states.
Canada is in much better shape with active cases. The U.S. has a 22% active cases rate (active cases/overall cases) while Canada has a 5.8% active cases rate.
Canada has about 11% of the population of the United States. The chart (below) factors in a similar comparison of per million people to give a proper comparison.
Cases and deaths per million people
Country | Cases | Deaths |
United States | 94,505 | 1,711 |
Canada | 26,426 | 607 |
Number of positive cases climbing within the Vancouver Canucks. More than 20 players/coaches combined have tested positive. Variant symptoms include vomiting, cramping and dehydration. Family members are getting it. Scary situation. Next 5-7 days will determine scheduling.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 4, 2021
The NHL is not indicative of the whole Canadian experience with COVID-19. The Vancouver Canucks situation is getting really bad. TSN's Darren Dreger reported yesterday that more than 20 players and coaches have tested positive.
The Vancouver Canucks haven't played since March 24. They don't expect the team to start playing again on April 8.
CanadianCrossing.com NHL coverage
Last month, the Montréal Canadiens became the first Canadian team to postpone games due to the COVID-19 protocols. The Habs lost 4 home games but those games have been rescheduled. That was far more mild than what the Canucks are dealing with on COVID-19.
The season is scheduled to end on May 11. The Vancouver Canucks might not start up again this season. Here is hoping that players, coaches, and family members recover well.
photo credit: CBC News
Twitter capture: @DarrenDreger
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