Spike of delta variant in Manitoba could bring on fourth wave, ICU doctor warns
The province of Manitoba has reported a spike in the confirmed cases of the delta variant—a highly transmissible variant that one ICU doctor warns could bring on the fourth wave of the pandemic if the province reopens too quickly.
Cases of the delta variant—also referred to as the B.1.617.2 variant—jumped in Manitoba over the weekend. The provincial dashboard recorded 54 cases of the variant since the last update on June 4, 2021.
As of Tuesday, the province has recorded 61 total cases of the delta variant. Of these cases, four are considered active and 56 have recovered.
One death has been linked to the delta variant in Manitoba.
A provincial spokesperson told CTV News that data on variants of concern is always reported after a case is identified.
"Public health advises there have been some clusters, but widespread transmission of the virus beyond these clusters into the wider population is not being seen at this time," the spokesperson said in an email to CTV News.
Dr. Anand Kumar, a Winnipeg intensive care physician and infectious disease specialist, said the spike of the delta variant is to be expected.
"This delta variant as I said is significantly more infectious, and there are two other factors that make it particularly more dangerous."
Kumar said the delta variant appears to be resistant to immunity—meaning if Manitobans were infected with other variants of COVID-19, they could still be infected with the delta variant.
The second concern with the variant is it is relatively vaccine resistant, Kumar said.
"If you've gotten a single dose of the vaccine—your protection is pretty minimal," he said, adding there won't be significant protection against the delta variant until about 70 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.
Kumar's concerns are echoed by experts who have called the delta variant a "wild card," saying it has grown at a faster rate compared to other variants.
READ MORE: Delta variant heightens urgency for second doses to stop spread, scientists say
While there are currently only 61 cases of the delta variant in Manitoba, Kumar said it has potential to explode.
He said the province needs to bring down its daily COVID-19 case counts and test positivity rate substantially before considering reopening.
"If we open up earlier than we should, we will be looking at a fourth wave in early fall and that is something I think would be very dangerous," he said.
"If we are going to get a fourth wave—which I think we will if we release our restrictions early—it will be delta."
According to the provincial dashboard, there have been four new cases of the B.1.617 variant and six new cases of the B.1.617.1 variant. As of Tuesday, the province also added one case of the B.1.617.3 variant.
In total, as of Tuesday, the province has recorded 83 cases of the B.1.617 variant and its sub lineages.
The provincial spokesperson told CTV News public health responds to all confirmed COVID-19 cases as if they are variant of concern cases.
The spokesperson said Manitobans are asked to stay home as much as possible, reduce close contacts and get vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
BREAKING Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Person charged in random assault on actor Steve Buscemi in New York
A person wanted in connection with the random assault on actor Steve Buscemi on a New York City street earlier this month was taken into custody Friday, police said.