Ontario’s latest #COVID19 epidemiological report has some experts saying the province should be prepared for the rise of a more tenacious version of the coronavirus, even as more people are vaccinated.
tgam.ca/variant
tgam.ca/variant
The report shows a dip in prevalence of known variants of concern, but a possible suggestion is that they’re being outcompeted by a more transmissible variant that tests haven’t directly identified.
tgam.ca/variant
tgam.ca/variant
The obvious candidate is the B.1.617.2, a sub-branch previously associated with India.
tgam.ca/variant
tgam.ca/variant
A study last month found the variant cut the effectiveness of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines after a first dose from 52% and 78%, respectively, to 33.5% each. After a second dose, protection against the variant rose to about 90% and 60% respectively.
tgam.ca/variant
tgam.ca/variant
Ontario’s situation could be similar to what it faced in late February after lifting numerous public health measures, causing cases to rise again.
“It adds an element of uncertainty that makes the decision far less straightforward,” an expert said.
tgam.ca/variant
“It adds an element of uncertainty that makes the decision far less straightforward,” an expert said.
tgam.ca/variant
All of this underscores the importance of continued genetic testing of COVID-19 cases, particularly during the period before most Canadians have received their second shots.
tgam.ca/variant
tgam.ca/variant
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