Photo by Felipe Brenner
Ontario appears to be heading toward another wave of COVID-19 cases. This time more associated with the XBB.1.5 variant also known as “Kraken”. It is expected that the variant will be responsible for 22.2 per cent of all cases in Ontario by the end of the week.
“Over the next few weeks, it will likely become the dominant strain and will outcompete any of the other strains that are or have been circulating in the Middlesex London region,” said Dr. Alex Summers, the medical officer of health for the Middlesex London Health region.
The subvariant described as “the most transmissible” variant seen so far, has not yet arrived in London but cases are expected to appear in the city as the variant expands in the province.
“We have seen the variant in the US and in parts of Canada too, like British Columbia, in Ontario and now potentially in the Middlesex London region as well.”
The region has also just hit its 500th COVID-19 registered death since its outbreak nearly three years ago. “This milestone gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and grieve.”
“Five hundred deaths should serve as a reminder that the COVID-19 virus has had a tremendous impact on the community and it is here to stay.”
Summers further encourages the London region to continue to use masks in crowded spaces and to keep on taking this virus seriously.
“Even though our current vaccines don’t specifically target the XBB.1.5, there is significant cross-protection, particularly from severe outcomes”
“It is arguably the best way to keep yourself and others as safe as possible at the moment.”
The COVID-19 subvariant XBB.1.5 Known as 'Kraken' is expected to be responsible to 22% of all cases in Ontario by the end of the week. This comes as cases spike in the region. Read full story here: https://t.co/RxaBYQIeKF
— Felipe (@Felipe13436267) January 18, 2023
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