Science table says Ontario likely in new COVID wave driven by BA.5 subvariant

Ontario’s expert pandemic advisory group says the province is likely in a new wave of COVID-19 driven by the BA.5 Omicron subvariant.

The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said wastewater signals, test positivity and hospitalizations from the virus are rising and the virus is showing significant growth in regions across the province.

Dr. Fahad Razak, scientific director of the group, said the highly infectious BA.5 variant also appears to be more immune evasive, meaning people who were recently infected can catch the virus again soon after.

Evidence so far doesn’t suggest that BA.5 causes more severe illness but Razak said the sheer number of people infected can still lead to many people experiencing severe outcomes and further strain on the health system.

He said people should take precautions like masking in crowded spaces and gathering outdoors when possible.

He also stressed that people should get vaccinated with their third shots if eligible.