'Not something to play around with': Experts assessing potential impact of Omicron variant
As jurisdictions worldwide take precautions to prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant, health experts are scrambling to figure out much of an impact it could have on Alberta.
The World Health Organization (WHO) designated B.1.1.529 a variant of concern on Friday, naming it Omicron. The WHO says the first cases were reported from South Africa last week, identified cases are now being reported in Belgium, Botswana, Israel, and Hong Kong.
As of publication, no confirmed cases of the newest COVID-19 variant were reported in Canada. Yet, some experts believe it is only a matter of time.
"With such an interconnected world and travellers going everywhere, it's very, very hard to keep a variant just in one country," said Sarah Otto, University of British Columbia evolutionary biologist.
Otto works with the B.C. COVID-19 modelling team and has studied variants throughout the pandemic.
"This variant is coming, and we don't know what it brings," Otto told CTV News. "It has an uncharacteristically large number of mutations. It's actually not very closely related to any of the other variants."
According to Otto, what health officials know so far is that the variant appears to spread quickly.
"We're seeing now that Omicron is even able to spread and outcompete Delta really quickly," she said. "Something like twice the growth rate of Delta."
Ottawa announced it would ban the entry of all foreign nationals who travelled through southern Africa in the 14 days.
The travel ban covers seven countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
- Canada bans travellers from southern Africa as concerns mount over coronavirus variant
- 'Only a matter of time' before Omicron COVID-19 variant reaches Canada, expert says
- COVID-19 variant spreads to more countries as world on alert
On Friday, Dr. Threresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said that laboratories across Canada have been alerted to the new variant and are searching for any "possible detections." Alberta's top doctor, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, reassured Albertans that genetic sequencing in the province could detect mutations of COVID-19, including Omicron.
"We continue to work with our partners in Canada and across the world to monitor emerging variants and will make any adjustments necessary to protect the health and safety of all Albertans," Hinshaw said in a social media post on Friday.
While there have been some cases of Omicron identified in vaccinated individuals elsewhere, Otto says vaccinated individuals will likely still have a decreased chance of severe outcomes.
"I think those highly vaccinated communities have a lot of buffers," she added. "Omicron might be able to get in and still not spread in those highly vaccinated communities. But where it's going to spread like wildfire are the unvaccinated communities."
'GET VACCINATED'
Dr. Michael Houghton, a University of Alberta professor and Nobel laureate in medicine, told CTV News how labs across the globe are racing to learn more about the variant.
"Further experiments are underway around the world, and more information will be available in a couple of weeks," Houghton said.
"In the meanwhile, early prudence is justified by following pre-existing guidelines of getting vaccinated, wearing face masks, and minimizing direct social interactions," he said.
Otto echoed the advice, adding that now is the best time to get booster vaccine doses, for those eligible to get it.
"This is not something to play around with," Otto said. "Protect yourself, protect your friends, protect your neighbours.
"Get vaccinated."
With files from CTVNews.ca's Hannah Jackson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Canada Post’s newest stamp features special cookies for Islamic holiday
Canada Post’s newest specialty stamps feature “melt-in-your-mouth” desserts to mark two Islamic festivals, the crown corporation announced Thursday.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
Statistics Canada reports real GDP up 0.6 per cent in January as Quebec strikes end
Canada's real gross domestic product grew 0.6 per cent in January, helped by the end of public sector strikes in Quebec in November and December, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.