355 cases of the UK COVID-19 variant, 25 of the South Africa variant detected in Canada: Dr. Theresa Tam

The country's top doctor says the daily rate of COVID-19 cases across the country is down to an average of 3,500.

Doctor Theresa Tam says that's less than half the number reported in early January.

But while declining case counts, hospitalizations and deaths are reassuring, she says we must continue to be cautious.

Doctor Tam says while it's normal for variants to emerge as viruses continuously evolve, these are a concern because they are known to spread more easily and there's the possibility that current vaccines won't offer protection.

Tam says with 355 cases of the UK variant, 25 of the South Africa variant and now one case of the variant that originated in Brazil in the country, the risk is very clear.

And Doctor Tam says provinces must tread carefully in reopening businesses in light of the new, stronger variants.