Variants

COVID-19

Last Updated: June 30, 2022

Overview

Variants have been identified worldwise. Certain variant strains are known as variants of concern because they spread more easily than other strains, meaning they are more contagious. These new variants may also cause more severe illness. The increased spread of COVID-19 results in more illness, hospitalizations and deaths.

Variant strains are expected to continue to be identified in the future. International scientific and public health communities continue to work to understand the biological significance of these strains, including how current vaccines may help protect against them.

Several variant strains of COVID-19 have been identified in Alberta.

What We Know

Alberta is continuously monitoring for all variant strains of COVID-19. Refer to Alberta Health for the latest case numbers.

Omicron

• First identified in South Africa
• The Omicron variant is the dominant strain in Alberta.
• This variant is more easily spread from person to person than previous strains.
• There are many sub-lineages of the Omicron variant, including BA.2, BA.4, BA.5 and others. These are now circulating in Alberta.
• People who have been immunized for COVID-19 or were previously infected with COVID-19 can become infected with Omicron.
• Getting all recommended doses of vaccine offers improved protection against infection with Omicron and greatly reduces risk of severe illness.

Delta

• First identified in India, researchers are monitoring for specific subtypes of this variant, including B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 (Delta variant), and B.1.617.3. Only the B.1.617.2 subtype is a variant of concern.
• Research has shown that the Delta variant spreads more easily and causes more severe illness. It may be capable of re-infecting people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Research is ongoing to look at vaccine effectiveness against new COVID-19 strains that come up.

Symptoms of COVID-19 caused by variants are the same as original COVID-19.

While the variants of concern spread more easily, they spread in the same way as original COVID-19. This means the same types of preventive strategies will be effective. However, these variants can more easily take advantage of any relaxation of those preventive measures.

Reduce Your Risk & Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

To protect yourself and those around you, take these steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, even if immunized:

• Get all the doses of vaccine that are recommended
• Wash your hands
• Practice good respiratory hygiene (cover your cough)
• Stay home when you are sick
• Get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19
• Follow federal quarantine requirements
• Minimize close contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms