In Canada, there is a ‘steady increase’ in BQ variants as COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths decline.
Health Canada’s latest COVID-19 epidemiology report shows a steady increase in immune-evading Omicron subspecies across Canada.
Clinical sequencing has revealed that several variants such as BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7 have increased in recent weeks. BQ 1.1 rose 2.5% from 5.9% in the week of Oct. 30 to 8.4% in the week of Nov. 6.
However, reports indicate that the previously dominant BA.5.2 and BA.5.2.1 lineages appear to be declining.
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Omicron changed the course of the pandemic a year ago and is still in control. what’s next?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subspecies are one substrain of the BA.5 Omicron subspecies.
Both BQ variants contain genetic mutations that make it difficult for the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus, resulting in more people contracting COVID-19, Reuters reported. .
Canada had 15,085 COVID cases in the week of November 13-19, compared with 15,682 in the week of November 6-12, with virus-related deaths and hospitalizations down. The number continues to decline.
Ontario had the most with 5,730, followed by Quebec with 5,324.
Ontario has seen a decrease in the number of cases compared to the previous period when there were 6,863 cases.
With 267 COVID-related deaths in the week of November 13-19, Ontario again recorded 111 deaths.
Between November 14th and November 21st, the total number of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients decreased from 5,638 to 5,457 beds, and the number of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients in intensive care units decreased to increased from 103 to 111.
Despite data showing a decline in COVID-related hospitalizations in Canada compared to the previous month, Over the past few months, flu and respiratory illnesses have surged nationwide.
Canadians are likely to encounter one or more of these viruses “so long as influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses continue to co-circulate at high levels,” said Canada. Dr. Teresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of , said in her paper. Statement on November 25th.
She added that maintaining “good habits” such as frequent hand washing and wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of infection.
“Similarly, covering your coughs and sneezes and staying home if you develop symptoms are important measures you can take to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others,” Tam said.
“For the time being, it makes sense to dial up vaccines and practices to increase levels of protection, especially given the hugely expanded health system and the huge impact on children’s hospitals,” Tam said. .
Tam said in June that the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine has improved significantly over time, dropping from 50% to 80% to less than 20% six months after the second dose. increase. Rather than being limited to a specific number of doses.
According to Health Canada, as of November 6, 83.1% of Canadians had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 80.4% of Canadians had completed the first two doses. increase.
Only 50% of Canadians received their first booster shot and 18.7% received their second booster shot.
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Below is a breakdown of the number of COVID-19 cases in Canada for the week of November 13th to November 19th.
British Columbia: 495
Alberta: 1,378
Saskatchewan: 435
Manitoba: 314
Ontario: 5,730
Quebec: 5,324
New Brunswick: 436
Price Edward Island: 280
Nova Scotia: 526
Newfoundland and Labrador: 149
First Nation Reserve: 575
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
In Canada, there is a ‘steady increase’ in BQ variants as COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths decline.
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