B.1.617: The coronavirus ‘delta variant’ that could spark a fourth wave – CTV
June 2, 2021
TORONTO — The latest coronavirus variant of concern, which experts say appears to be more transmissible and cause more severe symptoms than other variants, could become the dominant strain of the virus in Ontario within weeks, one region’s top public health official warned Wednesday.
The variant is one of two in the B.1.617 family, which has largely been responsible for the devastating COVID-19 situation in India in recent months.
B.1.617.2, known as the “delta variant” in the World Health Organization’s new naming system, was declared the fourth variant of global concern on May 10. Last week, the organization reported that it has been detected in 60 territories around the world.
