Tam Says Expected Fall Peak in COVID-19 Could Overwhelm Health System

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam responds to a question during a news conference in Ottawa on Aug. 14, 2020. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA—Federal health officials are preparing for surges in new cases of COVID-19, including an expected peak of the outbreak this fall that could temporarily exceed the ability of the health-care system to cope.

As Canada continues to reopen and as more people gather together indoors, the federal government is planning for a “reasonable worst-case scenario.”