'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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.