The scores have become more volatile in the last week. We usually see this at start of new waves, when some provinces are still seeing some numbers coming down quite low compared to earlier periods, but there are starting to be spikes in other variables, especially waste water.
We're not sure if there will be a new wave, or if it will happen in all provinces. Some, like PEI and NS, were in a very prolonged very high period recently, so numerous reinfections may be less likely there. Maybe.
Some, like MB and the North are really coming down quite low compared to previous levels.
But...I'm worried this may not be for long, and there could be rapid change over the holidays.
Certainly, we're seeing the largest provinces with the most reliable numbers (because of their size) trending back up. That's ON and QC.
QC is the fastest reporting province and increases there are usually a warning sign for the rest of the country. If you've been watching our COVID Forecast for a while now, you also know that QC has stayed in the elevated-high range for quite a while until recently.
In reality, most provinces now have similar numbers of people infected, barring some late surges in BC, PEI and NS where infection numbers had been lower. There's a competing stew of variants out there, but they don't respect provincial borders.
If you see QC (and Atlantic Canada) going up, assume it's happening where you live too, or will soon.
This is especially important over the next few weeks, as data silence descends on most provinces and we won't have many numbers again until the 2nd week of January.
Back in a second. Just putting the coffee on and feeding the birds, and then I'll post the graphics for each province.
Sorry. Just realized the seeds are low and our horde of evening grosbeaks are out there querying the situation. Should have fed them first!
Also FYI we'll post one more updated forecast this Friday/Saturday that will run until Jan 3. We'll have a bit more data from PHAC then and more waste water data.
Given the volatility of the numbers in some provinces we want to be sure we're not under-forecasting anywhere, since people may use this info to make decisions about holiday gatherings.
View-only link to folder where you can find png files for the simplified graphics I'll be sharing:
#CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsntOver #MaskUp #YallMasking #CleanTheAir #CovidCautious
Holiday Dance Night
Risk Scenario Estimator Based on Canadian Forecast
The full thread is also available on the C-19 website, starting on page 8, for easier reading.
Note: Forecast data will be posted on the weekend, those pages on the website have not been updated.
Holiday Dance Night
Nanny and her diabetic teen granddaughter are a high risk household. Because they are vulnerable, they have to miss inside family gatherings much more than they’d like in order to protect themselves . They both would love to celebrate with the rest of their friends and family on New Years Eve at the community Holiday Dance Night.
But is there any way to make it safe enough for them?
Many of us know, live with, or are vulnerable. We have a lot of people in our communities who are immune compromised, immune suppressed, or have long COVID. People who have to be extra careful about infections. It’s a lonely journey to keep safe these days, often having to stay away from events with crowds.
So, just how risky are those community gatherings?
There’s a Dance Night at the high school gym coming up. About 60 folks dancing to tunes for a couple hours, it would be so much fun to join in.
The Data Card, “Family Holiday Dinner - Before”, shows how wise it is for everyone to mask while visiting inside.
We looked at a group of 10 people, you’re one of them, gathering for a 3 hour visit. People are chatting, but it’s mostly a quiet group enjoying each other’s company.
The scenario uses an average size dining room, 16 x 32. The airflow is well mixed among this and the other rooms and the outside doors are closed.
What can you do?
What can you do? Open the windows.
What can you do?
You can make your event even more safe by providing rapid tests beforehand and N95 masks as people arrive. This lets everyone know that you care about their health.
What else can you do?
Set up an Outside Food Zone. ™
If the weather is, ahem, wintery, and you have the resources, get a fire pit going.
Explore other ways to warm the space, maybe candles, those amazing patio heaters, or a tether ball to kick to warm everyone up. Don’t forget to provide gloves and blankets too.
Create an inviting space for people to bring their food out, unmask, safely eat at a distance from the crowd. When they’re ready they can join the folks inside again knowing that they are helping to keep everyone safe.
The “Family Holiday Dinner - Before” Card shows the maximum risk people that take on. We’re using the safest estimate for one-off events that often have visitors from away, may include a super spreader, and carry higher potential risks.
Your most vulnerable people will want to use these estimates since, for us, it’s best to assess risk by assuming the worst.