Traces of the Omicron COVID variant have been found in a December 15th wastewater sample in Saskatoon.

“In that sample, one third of the overall viral load was contributed by the Omicron variant of concern,” said Dr. Markus Brinkman, an assistant professor in the University of Saskatchewan Toxicology Centre. “That is a pretty steep increase. We will monitor this very carefully and closely, but there is certainly a possibility these levels will rise quite quickly.”

Delta remains the dominant COVID variant in Saskatchewan—but Dr. Brinkman notes it only took Omicron one week to surpass Delta in Ottawa. The latest numbers released by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health on Tuesday afternoon indicate 10 confirmed Omicron cases, with another 72 yet-to-be confirmed.

Dr. Brinkman says COVID booster shots and extensive rapid testing can reduce the chances of contracting COVID. The next wastewater sample results are slated to be released on Monday, December 27th, barring any holiday scheduling issues at the testing lab.