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
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.