1) Although the #pandemic has been largely brought under control in Montreal, a new and disturbing trend is emerging. In this thread, I will address the phenomenon of mostly younger Montrealers, aged 20 to 29, who are now driving community transmission of the #coronavirus.

2) This age group comprises 12.5% of Quebec’s population. Yet it has made up 24.7% of all new #COVID19 cases in Montreal in the past three weeks, the biggest proportion by far of any demographic. Since June 12, 181 people in this age group tested positive for the #coronavirus.

3) By comparison, 29 Montrealers aged 70 to 79 developed #COVID19 during this period. This trend in younger Montrealers catching and spreading the #coronavirus suggests public health authorities need to re-think their strategy to prevent a possible second wave.

4) Research has already shown that people over the ages of 65 perceive a much higher personal risk toward #COVID19 than those between the ages of 18 to 30. It’s also younger adult Montrealers who frequent most often bars and nightclubs, potential breeding grounds for the virus.

5) In this context, it’s not enough to make face coverings mandatory only on public transit. Masks must also be mandatory for all indoor public spaces, including stores, where many young Montrealers are spotted shopping without wearing masks.

6) Authorities also need to mount a public awareness campaign aimed specifically at younger Montrealers. Raising awareness in this demographic about the importance of #PhysicalDistancing, face coverings and hand washing could help head off a second #COVID19 wave.

7) The last thing anyone wants is for Montreal to witness a resurgence in #COVID infections in a few weeks' time, as is currently the case in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California — states that have shut down their bars again amid a general disregard for public health measures.

8) Meanwhile, Montreal declared 22 new #COVID cases on Thursday, as the orange line in the chart below indicates. That compares with five cases in Toronto and two cases in Vancouver. We can presume most of the 22 cases in Montreal are among younger adults.

9) At the neighborhood level, most Montreal boroughs did not report any new #COVID cases in days — a truly heartening development. But the city’s hot spots continue to post cases, including Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, with six. (See the chart below).

10) Since June 25, Toronto has recorded one #COVID death. In contrast, Montreal during this period declared 57, a grim reminder to younger Montrealers that the #pandemic still has this city in its grip. End of thread. Please wear masks in public and maintain #PhysicalDistancing.