All About COVID-19 Variants

• As coronaviruses (like the one that causes COVID-19) replicate, it is normal for small changes or errors to occasionally happen in their genetic code - these genetic changes are called mutations. 

• Most of these random mutations do not change the overall characteristics of the coronavirus. 

• At times, the coronavirus goes through enough mutations that change the virus’s overall characteristics, like how contagious the virus is or its ability to cause severe disease. 

• A group of coronaviruses that share the same inherited set of mutations is called a variant.

• The variants of coronavirus that appear to have different characteristics than the original virus, which may make them spread faster, be more dangerous, or escape the immunity from previous infection or vaccination, are called variants of concern.

• Scientists are working to learn more about these variants to better understand how easily they might be transmitted, how fatal they can be, and the effectiveness of currently authorized vaccines against them.

• It’s important to remember that, generally speaking, variants cause similar symptoms and the same disease in people.

• Variants are now the main strain of COVID-19 in many countries.

Watch the WHO video here on COVID-19 variants.

• The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is a new version of the original virus that causes COVID-19.  

• Different variants are expected to emerge as viruses spread and change around the world.  

• The Omicron variant was first found in South Africa in early November 2021, and was first reported in Canada (Ottawa, Ontario) on November 28, 2021. 

• Usually it takes several months for a new variant to “take over” in a new place. 

• The Omicron variant can be detected by the same COVID-19 PCR testing (nose swab or gargle test) that has been used throughout the pandemic.  

• The Omicron variant spreads more easily than other variants, and is more able to get past someone’s immunity (either from being vaccinated, or from a previous COVID-19 infection). 

• Scientists are quickly gathering and analyzing data to learn more.  

• Vaccination is still the strongest layer of protection against COVID-19 and its variants.  

• Getting tested after travelling, or large gatherings, and following precautionary measures (wearing a mask, physical distancing and handwashing) are ways to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19 variants.  

• COVID-19 variants cause similar symptoms and disease as the original virus.

• Some variants may be more contagious.

• Certain variants can make some people sicker and more likely to need hospitalization and intensive care.

• In Quebec, there are more youth (younger people) who are catching Covid and have more severe symptoms caused by the variants.

• So far, our knowledge is that current COVID-19 vaccines provide some protection against variants. 

• They may be less effective in preventing transmission of certain variants, including the Delta and Omicron variants.

• High vaccination coverage in a population reduces the spread of the virus and helps prevent new variants from emerging.

• A booster shot helps lower our risk of getting infected and reduces transmission.

• People who are fully vaccinated can still get infected and spread the virus to others. However, it appears that vaccinated people spread COVID-19 for a shorter period than do unvaccinated people, and are also much less likely to develop severe complications and are less likely to be hospitalized.

• The most recent evidence has found that the primary series (1^st and 2^nd dose) of COVID-19 vaccines are not as effective against the Omicron variant. A booster shot helps to boost the immune system and offers much more protection against this variant.

• After the disease, your immunity is about as strong as if you had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

• If you have had the disease prior to being vaccinated, and have one dose of the vaccine, you are considered protected well – if you are not immunocompromised.

• If you have a weaker immune system from a medical condition or immunosuppressive medication, then you would require two doses if you had already tested positive in the past, prior to being vaccinated.

• We are not sure if immunity from having COVID-19 in the past can prevent strong disease from future variants.

• We must continue following precautionary measures.

We are actively testing for variants of concern in our region. Check our public updates for any new information about variants in Eeyou Istchee or Areas of Concern.

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, several variants of the coronavirus have emerged around the world.

• In Quebec, the number of variant cases is growing.

• So far, five (5) coronavirus variants have been reported in Quebec: variants originating in the UK (Alpha), Brazil (Gamma), South Africa (Beta), India (Delta) and, more recently, South Africa (Omicron).

• For updated information about the variants detected in Quebec, refer to https://www.inspq.qc.ca/covid-19/donnees/variants

Yes. In Quebec, every region is sending positive samples to be screened for variants of concern.

• Labs in Mistissini and Chisasibi are able to detect if COVID-19 is present. However, laboratories in Mistissini and Chisasibi are not able to identify specific variants of COVID-19.

• We are now sending positive COVID-19 samples to reference labs in Montreal to identify variants, including the main variants of concern.

 Yes. 

• If and when variants are detected in samples from Eeyou Istchee, the public will be informed.

• In Eeyou Istchee, interventions with cases and contacts will remain the same, since we already have a very aggressive approach for each case to contain the spread of the virus. 

• We are closely following the evolution of the situation in other regions to better inform the assessment of Areas of Risk.

• We must continue to be careful in Eeyou Istchee, and move slowly.