A new variant of the coronavirus called Omicron has emerged in South Africa and is quickly spreading across the continents and into Canada.
Jason Tetro, a microbiologist at the University of Guelph, said in an interview with CBC Saskatchewan Radio that this variant has the potential to be “very, very problematic.”
On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VoC).
Tetro said the most concerning aspect is the number of mutations the variant has.
“It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” said Tetro. “When you see a new variant, you expect about 10 to 12 mutations. This is what we saw with the Beta, Gamma, Delta [variants]. Omicron has over 30, so we’re talking over three times the number.”
A high number of mutations in the virus means it is more hardy.
“The more mutations you have the more likely it is that the virus will be able to evade our immune system,” said Tetro.
Dr. Alexander Wong, an infectious disease physician with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, told CTV News there is no reason for Saskatchewan residents to panic at this point.
There are currently no reported cases of Omicron in Saskatchewan.
“It was inevitable that we were going to see new variants,” said Wong.
WHO released an update on Nov. 28 detailing what is currently known about the variant.
Most of WHO’s information is rooted in uncertainty with laboratory test results being inconclusive so far.
Tetro said, “It takes about 10 days to get the results so we should be seeing numbers trickling out very soon.”
The current mRNA vaccines protect against Omicron. Tetro and WHO recommend booster shots for everyone but especially those who have a weakened immune system.
Based on the cases that were reported from South Africa, 87 per cent were unvaccinated individuals.
“If you are in an area where there’s no vaccination or a very low vaccination rate it could potentially be disastrous,” said Tetro.
He said since cases of the variant are already being reported in Canada there is no stopping an outbreak from happening. The severity of the outbreak could be determined by Canadians’ choices.
“We have vaccinations in Canada,” said Tetro. “That’s great.
“We also have all these other methods: the masking, the social distancing, the restrictions, the vaccine passports, and that’s also going to be able to help us choose the potential impact of this particular virus in our country.”
The Government of Saskatchewan echoes this message, “The best protection against all COVID-19 variants remains the same as protection against COVID-19: stay home, physically distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and get tested if you are experiencing even mild symptoms.”
Tetro encourages Canadians to continue in their efforts to stop the spread of all viruses whether it be COVID, a VoC, or influenza.
“I think we really need to be focusing on getting as many people vaccinated,” said Tetro. “Regardless of what the Greek letter happens to be.”
