(File photo/Canadian Press)

By Jaryn Vecchio

COVID Levels

Overall COVID levels drop in P.A. & North Battleford, levels for newest variant rising: study

Jul 18, 2022 | 11:54 AM

Levels for the newest strain of COVID are up in Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Saskatoon.

According to the University of Saskatchewan which continues to study the virus in each community, the Omicron subvariant BA.5 currently makes up 22 per cent of all levels found in P.A., 15 per cent in North Battleford, and 27 per cent in Saskatoon.

This variant, which is reportedly more contagious than other strains of the virus, has been popping up across the world over the past several weeks. The exact impact of the variant is still being studied but some experts suggest it isn’t more severe than other strains.

Health Canada continues to say the COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses, help reduce the chances of severe cases.

Meanwhile, overall levels in P.A. dropped by roughly three per cent from last week, marking the third lowest total recorded in the city since January.

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North Battleford saw a nearly 76 per cent decrease which puts the current volume of COVID at the city’s lowest amount in around six months.

Saskatoon’s levels dropped by around 33 per cent. The current total is the city’s fourth lowest since January.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow