New COVID-19 subvariant will spike cases: York Region top doc

XBB 1.5 cases expanding in U.S., now reported in Canada, Dr. Barry Pakes says

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 10, 2023
Joseph Quigley

The emergence of a new COVID-19 subvariant stands to worsen the spread of the virus in the weeks ahead, according to York Region’s medical officer of health.

The new subvariant XBB 1.5 is expanding in the United States and is likely to make its way into Ontario, Dr. Barry Pakes said in a video update today.

COVID-19 is already on an upward trajectory in the region and province after holiday gatherings, he added.

The new variant is out-competing other variants and has a better ability to evade immunity, Pakes said.

“It is only a matter of time until it is here in Ontario,” he said, adding it is "likely to cause a surge of cases, hospitalizations and, potentially, deaths in the coming weeks.”

The Omicron subvariant has been reported in other parts of the country, with Pakes noting cases found in British Columbia. The Centre of Disease Control has projected it would make up more than 40 per cent of cases in the U.S.

The variant comes to Canada as holiday gatherings have caused an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Although the region’s latest COVID-19 update Jan. 3 showed a decline in hospitalizations from December, at 36, the wastewater signal has ticked up from indicating approximately 1,700 weekly cases to more than 2,000.

“Following our busy holiday season of gatherings, let’s all do our part to prevent additional spread,” Pakes said.

There were more than five COVID deaths every single week between September and the end of 2022 in the region, Pakes said.

“We know that these were preventable, with a disproportionate number of people not being vaccinated or being incompletely vaccinated."

Getting the new bivalent vaccine is critical, Pakes said, adding that any previous COVID-19 dose will not provide as much protection. He noted that vaccine coverage has stalled in most high-risk neighbourhoods, with just over 40 per cent of those in the York Region over age 70 having the bivalent vaccine.

He urged residents to encourage others to get vaccinated.

“We need to redouble our efforts,” he said. “It may be time to kindly inform or encourage your friends and loved ones, no matter what neighbourhood they live in, to get vaccinated ... You can make a difference in your community.”

Other viruses are also spreading and impacting hospitals. Although Pakes said flu cases have declined somewhat, the RSV virus is still prevalent.

He also encouraged masking in crowded spaces,and noted that taking precautions will be important as most schools reopen this week.

“Let’s aim to prevent a surge to the degree possible,” he said. “We can all hope that this new year brings good health to all.”

You can book a COVID-19 vaccination through york.ca/covid19vaccine. Walk-ins are also available at all York Region clinics.