More young people are being infected with COVID-19, creating the potential for a severe outbreak, scientists warn.
They say the change in demographics could be attributed to lockdown fatigue, increased testing or feelings of invincibility.
While the numbers have stabilized in Peel and Toronto, McBean said there's been an increase in infections in younger people in other parts of the country.McBean said he's especially worried about the increase in infections in the under-20 age group. Numbers from the Public Health Agency of Canada show that during the second week of July, the largest proportion of new cases reported -- 22 per cent of female cases and 28 per cent of male cases -- was among the 20-29 age group.
A clinical professor at the University of B.C.'s school of population and public health said the increase could be because it's summer and fewer employment opportunities during the pandemic mean more time for young people to spend with friends. B.C. public health officials said early on many long-term care and assisted living facilities were hard hit and now most of the province's new cases are in the broader community.
McBean said the messaging to maintain safe social distancing and frequent handwashing, wear a mask and get together in small groups outdoors remains the best way to avoid infection.
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