Ottawa (CNN) Canada has a higher coronavirus death rate than previously predicted, even though the country has a growth rates slower that most countries -- including the United States -- according to a new snapshot and updated modeling Tuesday.

The epidemic growth rate was doubling every three days, but now has slowed to doubling every 16, Canadian public health officials say. But Canada is now reporting nearly 3,000 coronavirus deaths, much higher than originally predicted.

"We are seeing the tragic paradox of the epidemic playing out," said Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, during a presentation of the new modeling Tuesday.

"As the epidemic comes under control, and the growth of cases slows, the severe outcomes and deaths continue to accrue, as Covid-19 takes a heavy toll among highly susceptible populations," said Dr. Tam.

Less than two weeks ago, Canadian officials had predicted a case fatality rate of about 2.2%. It now stands at 5.5% with hundreds more deaths possible in the next week alone.

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