South African Variant

• Omicron COVID-19 variant showing milder symptoms than Delta, say South African doctors

  Doctors in Southern Africa say the data is promising regarding the symptoms of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, but caution that it will take many more weeks to be sure.

  World

  Dec 11, 2021
  
• Ottawa working to get women’s field hockey team home from South Africa after Omicron travel ban

  The Canadian junior women's field hockey team has been stranded in South Africa due to new travel restrictions targeting the Omicron variant.

  Canada

  Nov 29, 2021
  
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• Dutch find 61 COVID-19 cases on South Africa flight, believe some are Omicron variant

  The cases were discovered among around 600 passengers who arrived at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on two flights on Friday.

  World

  Nov 27, 2021
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• Omicron COVID-19 variant leads to travel restrictions, containment efforts

  The WHO named the new variant omicron, labeling it a variant of concern because of its high number of mutations and some early evidence that it could be more infectious.

  Health

  Nov 27, 2021
• Novavax vaccine shows 51% efficacy in COVID-19 infections caused by B.1.351 variant

  However, the study did not provide data on efficacy of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in preventing severe disease or hospitalization.

  Health

  May 6, 2021
• Moderna says COVID-19 booster shot increases protection against some variants

  The extra shot, given to volunteers previously inoculated with Moderna's two-dose vaccine regimen, increased antibodies against variants first found in Brazil and South Africa.

  World

  May 6, 2021
• Waterloo Region reports 114 new COVID-19 cases, new variant detected

  Waterloo Region has also confirmed its first case of the B.1.351 variant first detected in South Africa. 

  Health

  Apr 14, 2021
• New Brunswick reports 10 new COVID-19 cases, new variant detected

  “Today’s news further reinforces the need for every New Brunswicker to follow public health guidelines,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell.

  Health

  Apr 12, 2021
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• Pfizer’s COVID-19 shot less effective against South African variant: study

  Some previous studies have indicated that the Pfizer shot was less potent against the B.1.351 variant than against other coronavirus variants, but still offered a robust defense.

  Health

  Apr 10, 2021
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• Pfizer vaccine highly effective up to 6 months after 2nd dose, new data shows

  The trial data also provides "the first clinical results that a vaccine can effectively protect against currently circulating variants."

  World

  Apr 1, 2021