BREAKING: Dr. Tam calls for ‘stronger, stricter’ measures or else ‘pandemic will re-surge even stronger’

"If we ease measures too soon, before enough people are vaccinated, the epidemic will re-surge even stronger,’" said Tam, before calling for "stronger, stricter" measures to be sustained.

Tam noted that variants were of high concern, with more contagious variants making up the majority of future spread.

"This model predicts that current community-based public health measures will be insufficient to control rapid growth ... but, with a combination of enhanced community based public health measures, and good adherence and individual precautions are implemented and sustained, the epidemic is forecasted to plateau," said Tam.

Tam repeated that physical distancing and continual good hand washing practices, as well as well-fitting face masks, should continue.

Tam added that local authorities should continue to maintain or immediately implement "strong public health measures" that include closures, restrictions, or "other community-based control measures."

She also urged those celebrating Easter and Passover to celebrate virtually, saying that one last big push was required to slow the spread of the virus.