Whole genome testing has revealed 44 confirmed cases of the Omicron Covid variant in BC.
More than half of those cases come from the Island Health Authority, some stemming from a University of Vitoria Rugby trip.
Just one Omicron case has been confirmed in Northern Health, and 3 have been found in the Interior.
Of the 44 Omicron cases, 20 come from individuals who recently returned from travelling abroad.
So far, BC’s cases have been linked to those travelling from all across the globe, from Zimbabwe to Germany, to the United States.
Recent studies are leading scientists to believe that Omicron is not only more infectious, but also has a heightened chance of re-infection.
However, tests have also revealed that current vaccinations still effectively protect against hospitalization from Covid.
So far, just 7 of the Omicron cases come from unvaccinated individuals, and none have been hospitalized as of yet.
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