Variants

COVID-19

Overview

COVID-19 is a virus, and like most viruses it mutates as it reproduces inside the cells of an infected person. The changed virus can then be spread to others and may continue to mutate as it moves from person to person. COVID-19 viruses that have changed or mutated are called variants.

Several variant strains of COVID-19 have been identified in Alberta. These strains are known as variants of concern because they spread more easily than other strains. They have been identified in many other countries around the world. It is expected that other variant strains will be identified in the future.

Alberta is monitoring for variant strains of COVID-19 that have a higher infection rate. Refer to Alberta Health for the latest case numbers.

B.1.1.7 -  also called the Alpha variant

• First identified in the United Kingdom.
• Research to date has shown this variant spreads more easily and can cause more severe illness.
• Vaccines continue to be effective against this variant.

B.1.351 - also called the Beta variant

• First identified in South Africa, research has shown this variant spreads more easily and may be capable of re-infecting people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19.
• Vaccines may be somewhat less effective against infections with this variant, but will provide some protection against severe outcomes.

P.1 - also called the Gamma variant

• First identified in Brazil, research has shown this variant spreads more easily and is capable of re-infecting people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19.
• It is unknown if vaccine effectiveness is changed against this variant

B.1.617 

• First identified in India, research has shown that this variant spreads more easily.
• Less is known about this variant as it has only recently become widespread. 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.
• It is unknown if vaccine effectiveness is changed against this variant.

What We Know

Work is underway by the international scientific and public health communities to better understand the biological significance of these variant strains, including how the current vaccines may help protect against them.

So far, evidence suggests variants of concern spread more easily than the original strain, meaning they are more contagious. These new variants may also cause more severe illness. The increased spread of COVID-19 would result in more illness, hospitalizations and deaths.

Symptoms are the same as original COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell, or other symptoms.

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, follow all public health guidance, including:

• If you are eligible for vaccine, get fully immunized
• 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 all isolation requirements,  and federal quarantine requirements

If you have factors that increase your risk of COVID-19, or you want to take additional precautions:

• Continue to use a mask
• Avoid or limit time spent in crowded indoor places
• Continue to practice physical distancing, and minimize close contact with anyone showing cold-like symptoms

These are all important steps to preventing the spread of the virus, regardless of what strain it is.

Isolation Requirements

Variants now make up a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases in Alberta. If you test positive for COVID-19 you will receive an initial notification of your test results. You should assume you have a variant strain of COVID-19.

You are legally required to isolate immediately for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started, or from the date you were tested. This applies whether or not you have been immunized for COVID-19. Because variant strains spread more easily it is even more important to isolate completely away from others in your household whenever possible.