While striving for the best, Canada’s top doctors are preparing for the worst case scenario – a ”peak” of COVID-19 cases in the fall.

They’re aiming for a ”slow burn,” in which the number of cases remains low, so the healthcare system can cope.

But at the same time, they’re planning for a ”reasonable worst-case scenario,” where a spike in fall infections is followed by ongoing peaks and valleys, putting excessive demands on the system.

The number of new cases reported daily has recently gone up with the highest rate of infection among those 20 to 39.

As schools and businesses reopen, and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam stresses Canadians must be vigilant to avoid a major rebound, saying what’s done now, will determine what happens come the fall.

Meanwhile, so far about 1.9-million Canadians have downloaded the COVID-19 exposure notification app.

Those who go to nightclubs and pubs are especially urged to take part.