While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada has topped 28,000 with just over 1,000 deaths, the country’s top public health officer says there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.

”In late March, when the growth rate was the fastest, we saw case numbers doubling every three days, but in recent days, we’ve observed a doubling time of over ten days,” Dr. Theresa Tam says.

”This means the epidemic is slowing down.”

That does not mean easing up on physical distancing measures.

”Though we all wish this could be a sprint to the finish, it is not.  This will be a marathon and there are no rewards for quitting early.”

Using another analogy, Dr. Tam says coming down from this epidemic curve will be like making our way down a mountain in darkness.

”We mustn’t rush or let go of our safety measures or the fall will be hard and unforgiving.”