Delta variant growing in Alberta as experts warn of looming 4th wave
The novel coronavirus Delta variant is slowly growing in Alberta, raising concerns over its spread as the province readies to reopen.
Alberta has reported 292 cases of the B.1.617 variant since June 1 when the province resumed variant of concern screening for all positive tests.
Reports suggest it is 60 per cent more transmissible than the original virus, and results in nearly double the risk of hospitalizations compared to other strains.
"It’s growing exponentially," said Dr. Malgorzata Gasperowicz of the Delta variant in Alberta.
"We will have this fourth wave if we don’t try to do something to stamp it out now."
The Alpha variant first identified in the United Kingdom remains the dominant variant strain in the province, at 82 per cent of all cases reported since the start of the month.
But, the Delta has grown from just under nine per cent of cases to close to 13 per cent by June 13.
Gasperowicz says exponential growth coupled with soon-to-be loosened public health restrictions could lead to a spike in cases despite around 70 per cent of eligible Albertans having had a first dose of vaccine.
"That level of vaccination won't stop Delta growth."
The province has reported fewer than 200 new cases of COVID-19 for the last five straight days. But Gasperowicz says we've seen how variants grew rapidly in the second and third waves.
"It’s exactly what we had in February, March, April with Alpha variant ... that it was growing under the decline of the overall cases."
The Delta variant is on track to become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario. Yesterday in the U.K., the next planned relaxation of health restrictions was delayed by a month amid a rapid rise in Delta variant cases.
Alberta has largely banked its reopening plan on first-shot vaccination rates.
"The lion's share of our vaccines have been mRNAs which are proving to be more effective, particularly on first dose, against that particular variant,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
Kenney also noted that the U.K. relied almost entirely on the AstraZeneca vaccine for protection which is not a mRNA vaccine.
Experts say protection against all forms of COVID-19 is markedly improved by a second shot of vaccine.
Alberta will enter Stage 3 of its reopening plan, which removes almost all public health restrictions, two weeks after 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated with a first dose.
The rate of vaccinations has slowed in recent weeks, prompting the province to launch a lottery to encourage more Albertans to get their first shot.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.