Omicron Variant

• Omicron changed the course of the pandemic 1 year ago and still dominates. What’s next?

  On Nov. 24, 2021, a group of scientists in South Africa alerted the World Health Organization to a concerning new COVID-19 variant the world would come to know as Omicron.

  Health

  Nov 25
  
• New Omicron subvariants are being closely monitored in Alberta

  The two variants are descendants of Omicron's BA.5 subvariant and are spreading rapidly in Europe, the UK and the U.S. They've also been detected in small numbers in Alberta.

  Health

  Nov 6
  
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• Got COVID? Here’s how long immunity might last as new variants emerge

  Infection-acquired immunity from catching COVID-19 can act as a protective layer for a period of time, but it wanes and is not guaranteed, experts warn.

  Canada

  Oct 11
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• Omicron’s BQ.1.1 COVID-19 sub-variant. Why experts are watching it

  BQ.1.1 is a descendant of the Omicron BA.5 sub-variant, which is the dominant COVID-19 mutation in Canada at the moment, the Public Health Agency of Canada says.

  Health

  Oct 5
• Guelph residents will be able to get newly approved COVID-19 booster shot

  The new Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 bivalent vaccine, developed to target the original strain and the Omicron variants, will begin distribution on Sept. 26.

  Health

  Sep 12
• Health minister to make COVID-19 vaccine announcement as Canada reviews Omicron booster

  Bivalent vaccines under review by Health Canada re designed to recognize specific mutations in the spike protein of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant.

  Canada

  Sep 1
• Interior Health not ruling out COVID-19 restrictions this fall and winter

  For the most part, BA.5 subvariant of  Omicron causes milder symptoms than previous strains, but health officials are preparing for new variants in the weeks and months ahead.

  Health

  Aug 23
• Canada to get 12 million doses of Moderna’s Omicron-targeted COVID vaccine

  The Canadian government had entered into a supply deal with the company last year for supply of its COVID-19 vaccine for 2022 and 2023.

  Health

  Aug 22
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• Sask. monthly COVID-19 report shows increase: CMHO says continue with the basics

  Saskatchewan CMHO, Dr. Saqib Shahab says basics remain the same, do a personal risk assessment- mask when needed, get your boosters if you haven't already.

  Health

  Aug 18
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• Hamilton bumping up COVID-19 vaccine capacity at Mountain clinic amid new booster eligibility

  Hamilton Public Health says those looking to book a fourth dose with the city will likely need to check back daily for appointments over the next few days due to high demand.

  Health

  Jul 13