Infectious ‘Kraken’ variant has come to Waterloo Region, with 14 positive tests for COVID-19

The most recent public health release showed 41 patients with COVID-19 in local hospitals on Jan. 25

The highly transmissible virus subvariant nicknamed “Kraken’ has made its way into the region and is expected to spread fast as the COVID-19 pandemic marks its third year.

There’s no evidence that the latest version of the coronavirus has hospitalized more residents.

Ontario on Tuesday confirmed 14 positive test results for the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant in Waterloo Region between Dec. 18 and Jan. 14. That’s three per cent of laboratory test results whose lineage was examined during that period.

Testing lags behind the disease. The province predicted the Kraken subvariant would account for 44 per cent of new Ontario infections by Feb. 1. It is spreading at two to three times the pace of other subvariants and is displacing them just as it has done elsewhere.

Experts say the new subvariant is very infectious. It has yet to show itself as more dangerous to any individual, but there is concern that a surge in infections will increase hospitalizations.

That could increase the strain on three local hospitals as they shoulder a steady pandemic burden. The level of hospitalization in 2022 in this region was consistently higher than in previous years.

The most recent public health release showed 41 patients with COVID-19 in local hospitals on Jan. 25.

“COVID-19 is still with us,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the regional medical officer of health. She warns that new variants such as XBB.1.5 will continue to emerge and people should expect to see more waves of disease.

Her advice is to get regular vaccine boosters (experts say every six months), wear a well-fitted mask while indoors in public spaces, and improve or maintain good indoor ventilation.

“Our recommendations remain the same,” Wang said. There are no plans to reopen regional mass vaccination clinics, restrict gatherings or reimpose mask mandates in all public spaces.

Boosters are available at pharmacies, but uptake has slowed. Just over half the regional population has stopped at two or fewer vaccine doses without a booster. This is unchanged in almost three months.