COVID-19 variant ‘a concern’ say regional health officers in Canada – APTN
Apr 07, 2021
The head of Canada’s public health agency says variants of the COVID-19 pandemic are currently responsible for the third wave.
“Variants of concern are contributing to the current resurgence. The B117 variant is known to cause more severe illness and increase the risk of death,” says Dr. Teresa Tam.
Tam added that the B-117 variant from the UK now represents over 90 per cent of new cases in Canada.
In Ontario over 3,200 cases were reported in just 24 hours with 500 patients now in intensive care units (ICU) – these cases have prompted the government to announce stay at home orders across Ontario.
“This variant is moving hour by hour day by day so we have to move with it and be nimble and be quick,” says Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
