First cases of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 variant found in Saskatchewan
Global News
The report, which covered Dec. 18-31 of 2022, shows that Omicron subvariants made up nearly 82 per cent of COVID-19 cases identified in Saskatchewan.
According to the latest community respiratory illness surveillance program (CRISP) report from the government of Saskatchewan, the province has detected a new COVID-19 variant after the holidays.
The report, which covered Dec. 18-31 of 2022, shows that Omicron subvariants BQ.1.1 and BQ.1 made up nearly 82 per cent of COVID-19 cases identified in Saskatchewan at the time.
There were also reports of at least two cases of the XBB.1.5 subvariant, which is spreading in other parts of Canada and the world but has not been found before in Saskatchewan.
Health authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom predict XBB.1.5 will quickly become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in their respective countries.
It was first detected in October and has been found in 29 countries, according to the World Health Organization.
According to the CRISP report, except for Regina, all areas of the province have less than 50 per cent of their population up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines. Less than half of individuals aged 50 plus have had more than one booster dose (46 per cent).
In the final two weeks of December, 10 people were reported to have died from COVID-19.
In total, COVID-19 lab-confirmed cases decreased from 326 to 302, with a test positivity rate of 6.7 per cent.
Since 8:16 a.m. Monday, travel in and out of Toronto's downtown has been disrupted by repair operations, which should wrap ahead of the weekend.
As Canada pivots away from U.S.-reliant supply chains, beer makers say they have little choice to move away from U.S.-made aluminum cans, a packaging staple for the industry.
Saskatchewan bars can apply to open as early as 5 a.m. during the Milano Cortina Olympics so fans can watch early-morning events, with requests reviewed case by case.
Quebec barred U.S. alcohol at the SAQ last year in retaliation for American tariffs on Canadian goods, framing the move as an economic response, not a safety issue.
Canada's unemployment rate dropped to 6.5 per cent in January as fewer people were looking for a job compared with the month before, according to Statistics Canada.
Automaker Stellantis is selling its stake in its joint venture battery manufacturing plant in Ontario to its partner, LG Energy Solution.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT will finally open on Sunday, 15 years after it started construction. Local businesses are preparing for a new era.
A study completed by the police services board last year found public trust in the force was 'strained,' with many concerned about misconduct and uneven standards.
The Iranian citizen wants his case heard behind closed doors.
Golf courses and driving ranges near homes in Mississauga, Ont., may soon be fined if they don't make efforts to contain errant golf balls.
An east Edmonton resident made a life-changing decision — risking his financial future by buying his neighbour's home so it wouldn't be turned into a massive infill development.
A lawyer for the driver who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash says the decision means the CBSA is now obligated to deport Jaskirat Singh Sidhu as soon as possible.
A Treasury Board message said executives will have to work on-site five days per week starting May 4, with all other employees expected in the office four days a week as of July 6.