Canada is facing a surge in COVID-19 cases that risks ballooning to higher levels than were seen during the first wave of the pandemic in the spring if people do not take stringent precautions, health officials said on Monday. “Canada is at a crossroads and individual action to reduce contact rates will decide our path,” said a statement from the Public Health Agency. According to a worst-case scenario outlined by the agency, cases could rise more than 1,000 per day for the next 10 days to 155,795 by Oct. 2, with the death toll hitting 9,300. On Monday, Canada had reported 145,415 total cases and 9,228 deaths. Canada’s chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, outlined three scenarios, with the most favorable being a “slow burn” that involves active case detection and tracing, and for individuals to take all the necessary precautions.