Deaths due to Covid-19 in Canada surpass 50,000 mark
As we move into the heart of 2025, COVID-19 activity in Canada continues to be present but at relatively low levels compared to peak pandemic waves. For the week ending July 12, 2025, COVID-19 percent positivity is about 3.6%, with around 600 detections reported.
Wastewater surveillance data, updated through August 1, 2025, continue to track low to moderate levels of virus activity in communities, helping to monitor trends in near real-time alongside clinical data.
Sub-variants of the Omicron variant are circulating in Canada. While the XBB sub-variants are expected to increase, it is not known whether they will become the dominant lineage, according to Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer. As of now, there is no evidence of a sharp rise in cases or increased severity associated with the XBB.1.5 sub-variant or other new variants, nationally.
Health authorities in Canada have only expressed minor concerns over new cases being reported. The National Advisory Committee on Booster Shots (NACI) has recommended bivalent mRNA vaccines as the preferred booster doses for individuals aged 5 and over. If it has been over 6 months since an individual has received their last dosage or has been infected with Covid-19, it is time to obtain a booster dose.
Bivalent mRNA vaccines, which target both the original Wuhan strain of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant, have been available in Canada since September 2021. These vaccines are particularly important for individuals at high risk for severe health problems from Covid-19.
The total number of deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic in Canada has surpassed 50,000, with Quebec recording the highest number of deaths with 17,865, followed by Ontario with 15,786. Death and hospitalization data continue to be monitored, especially in long-term care settings with a history of high risk.
The Public Health and Wellness Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that everyone stay up-to-date on their Covid-19 vaccinations as a "vital health and wellness action". For precise, real-time numbers on deaths and specific booster guidance, checking the official Canadian public health websites (e.g., Public Health Agency of Canada) is advised. As of the latest update, the PHAC reports a total of 50,135 deaths.
Sources:
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Study on disproportionate deaths in long-term care facilities
- Wastewater surveillance data
- Given the current low levels of COVID-19 activity and the availability of bivalent mRNA vaccines that target both the original strain and the Omicron variant, maintaining one's health and wellness through up-to-date vaccinations is crucial, as recommended by the Public Health and Wellness Agency of Canada.
- While sub-variants of the Omicron variant, such as XBB, are circulating in Canada, there is no evidence of a sharp rise in cases or increased severity associated with these sub-variants or other new variants, nationally, contributing to the current focus on medical-conditions like health and wellness.
