OTTAWA, Apr 11 (NNN-XINHUA) – The rapid spread of more contagious COVID-19 variants is believed to have driven a devastating third wave in Canada.
As of yesterday afternoon, a total of 30,108 variant of concern cases have been reported across Canada, including 28,624 B.1.1.7 variants, 1,133 P.1 variants and 351 B.1.351 variants, according to CTV.
Canada reported 5,986 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the cumulative total to 1,051,246, including 23,282 deaths, according to CTV.
“Although B.1.1.7, which is now confirmed in all provinces and two territories, continues to account for the majority of variants of concern in Canada and has likely replaced the original virus in some areas, there has been a concerning rise in P.1 cases in recent weeks,” said Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said yesterday.
“Early evidence suggests that the P.1 variant may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, making it even more important to control its spread,” Tam added.
The number of confirmed variant cases in Canada has skyrocketed in recent weeks, rising from about 2,000 a month ago, to over 30,000 as of yesterday afternoon and counting, with more than 90 percent of those being the B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in Britain.
The P1 variant, first discovered in Brazil, is also on the rise, with cases increasing to more than 1,100 as of yesterday afternoon, mostly in the populous provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta.
Meanwhile, the B.1.351 variant, first found in South Africa, is also picking up steam, with more than 350 cases identified, so far.
“The race between the vaccine and the variants is at a critical point,” Tam said. “It’s clear, we need stronger control to combat variants of concern that are driving rapid growth in many areas of the country.”
Younger Canadians are being impacted harder in the third wave, with infection rates highest among those aged 20 to 39, and a rise in the number of hospitalisations and ICU admissions, in those under 60.
The fact is Canada’s third wave of COVID-19 is showing no signs of slowing down, as the vaccine rollout gradually ramps up. Canadians need to buckle down, until more of us get a shot, experts said.
Altogether, 7,569,321 vaccine doses have been administered as of Friday, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.– NNN-XINHUA
