Some new Omicron subvariants — sparking concern due to their growth advantage and signs of immune evasion — have been identified in Alberta, and they're on track to drive the province's next COVID-19 wave, according to a modelling expert.
A COVID-19 modelling expert estimates the new Omicron BQ subvariants now account for 20 per cent of Alberta's cases. She expects they'll become dominant within weeks.
"So now it's an easily transmitted variant that's a little more immune evasive," said Otto, who teaches at the University of British Columbia and is a member of an independent B.C. COVID-19 modelling group.According to Otto, BQ variants are spreading the most quickly in Canada, and she estimates they now account for 20 per cent of Alberta's COVID-19 cases.
"BQ has been at a higher frequency in Europe and we're already seeing case numbers and hospitalization rates turn around there," she said. Dr. Daniel Gregson is an infectious disease physician and medical microbiologist with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
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