The XBB.1.5 subvariant represents between 30 and 50 per cent of the wastewater signal, which measures the amount of virus in the community.
Tyson Graber, associate scientist at the CHEO Research Institute and co-lead investigator on Ottawa’s coronavirus wastewater monitoring program, says the highly contagious XBB.1.5 subvariant, nicknamed Kraken, is spreading “exponentially” across Ontario.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Graber conceded that initial concerns about XBB.1.5 were “probably a little overhyped.” It is the most contagious Omicron subvariant to date, gaining dominance over previous highly transmissible subvariants, but its growth has been slower than some predicted, he said. Currently, just 31 per cent of Ottawa residents have received COVID-19 booster vaccines within the past six months. Nationally, about 25 per cent of people have either completed their primary series of vaccines or received booster doses within the past six months, the Public Health Agency of Canada says.That waning immunity, combined with evasiveness, could make more people vulnerable as XBB.1.5 spreads.
In a revised risk assessment for the sub-lineage XBB, which includes XBB.1 and XBB.1.5, Public Health Ontario said XBB was among the most immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants, based on studies, as well as one of the most transmissible variants.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ontario to accept new health care funding from Ottawa, health minister confirmsBut Sylvia Jones expresses concerns about a lack of long-term investment in the deal
Read more »
Contractor association complaint against Ottawa Hospital cites ‘restrictive’ deal - Ottawa | Globalnews.caThe Progressive Contractors Association of Canada alleges the labour agreement is restrictive and decreases the number of eligible workers.
Read more »
4.2 magnitude earthquake felt in Ontario largest to hit Buffalo area in decadesA 4.2 magnitude earthquake was “lightly felt” in Ontario after it hit near Buffalo, N.Y., Earthquakes Canada said Monday — a light quake by international…
Read more »
Ontario cannabis shop sales data circulating, provincial pot regulators investigateTORONTO — Ontario cannabis stores are seeing their sales data shared among competitors without approval for at least the second time in a year, sparking…
Read more »
Trio 'extremely lucky' to survive after falling through the ice on Lake Ontario: CopsTrio 'extremely lucky' to survive after falling through the ice on Lake Ontario: Cops Via reporterkevin
Read more »
Home builders call on Ontario for faster approvals, more skilled trade immigration | CBC NewsOntario should speed up new housing approvals, increase skilled trade immigration, and 'rein in' municipalities introducing varying green building standards, a residential builders' group is telling the government.
Read more »