Part 1: Return to the Office Series - Predicting the Return to the Office

GLOBAL AMERICAS APAC EMEA

CANADA – OUTLOOK VIRUS UPDATE

Cases peaked in April 2021, during the so-called third wave, then declined 95% to a 2021 low by mid-July. While the infection rate has increased almost 1,000% since that July trough, fatalities have remained low—several days in August recorded five or fewer deaths nationwide, far below the pre-vaccine levels. Cases vary by regions. In the Maritimes, for example, infections remain low while British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have seen surging case numbers. 12 IHME forecasts point to a large increase in cases during the remainder of 2021. Given the transmissibility of the new variant(s), even the most optimistic forecast suggests record high case counts in October or November 2021. However, if earlier patterns are repeated, case numbers could return to low levels again by early 2022 as previous waves have brought rapid increases in cases followed by an equally rapid decline.

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