Saskatoon COVID-19: Viral levels in wastewater lowest since January
The signs of COVID-19 are at their lowest levels in Saskatoon's wastewater since January.
That's according to the University of Saskatchewan research team that has been monitoring the city's wastewater throughout the pandemic.
The latest numbers released by the researchers show a nearly 51 per cent decrease over the most recent reporting period, which ended June 22, compared to the previous reporting period.
The levels in Prince Albert and North Battleford showed a drop as well and are "at levels near (the) limit of detection," according to John Giesy, a member of the research team.
Prince Albert saw an almost 83 per cent drop over its most recent reporting period, which ended on June 20.
North Battleford's level decreased around 81 per cent. The reporting period ended on June 17.
PREPARING FOR BA.5
In his weekly emailed message to news media, Giesy said the researchers are tooling up to prepare for the Omicron BA.5 subvariant.
While vaccinations and boosters provide substantial protection against severe outcomes, early data shows the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants may escape antibody responses.
"At this time, BA.5 is taking off in the U.K. so we will learn whether it is more infectious or causes more severe illness," Giesy said.
"The information so far is that it can evade immunity either from vaccination or previous infections. So more people are likely to be reinfected."
He said the subvariant is already being found in clinical samples in Saskatchewan.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is anticipating a BA.5 outbreak south of the border this fall," Giesy said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.