Statistics Canada, in partnership with the National Microbiology Laboratory from the Public Health Agency of Canada, continues to collect the Canadian Wastewater Survey (CWS) to better understand the levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the wastewater of five Canadian municipalities (Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montréal, and Halifax). As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, this survey continues to provide valuable insights on the evolving levels of infection in the population.
After the first Omicron wave (December 2021 until March 2022), there was a gradual countrywide relaxation of public health measures (e.g., mask mandates were lifted in February/March 2022) and clinical testing. To many Canadians, it felt like life had returned to normal. During this period, the CWS continued to show high levels of the virus circulating in wastewater throughout the five municipalities, and Statistics Canada data on COVID-19 in Canada showed that deaths attributed to COVID-19 were the highest to date in 2022.
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For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).