COVID-19 in wastewater on the rise

The vivral load of COVID-19 in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford is on the rise, from the testing period ending July 22nd. Data from USask’s Global Institute for Water Security suggests that although there has been an increase, the overall viral loads are relatively low, compared to earlier in the Omicron wave. The virus is all Omicron.

The institute is developing the process for testing a new variant called Omicron BA.2.75, first discovered in Indian in early June which has been observed in about a dozen countries including Canada. Dr. John Giesy says this new variant is the most contagious yet, but like other versions of Omicron, is less likely to cause severe illness. He suggests that vaccination seems to protect individuals from hospitalization, but there is some evidence the new variant can infect deeper in the lungs than previous versions, which were more about the throat and nasal passages.

The viral load in Saskatoon’s wastewater has risen almost 47 per cent. In North Battleford it’s up over 52 per cent and in Prince Albert, the viral load up by just over 89 per cent.

Saskatoon:

· Viral load: 45769 (+46.6%)

· BA.5: 41.4% (+14.4)

· BA.2.12.1: 32.7%

· Other BA.2: 25.9%

Prince Albert:

· Viral load: 42985 (+89.2%)

· BA.5: 19.4% (-3.2%)

· BA.2.12.1: 33.8%

· Other BA.2: 46.7%

North Battleford:

· Viral load: 9207 (+52.5%)