B.C. health officials say another Omicron subvariant will become the dominant strain in the province and that it is possible to have multiple Omicron infections.
Dr. Martin Lavoie, B.C.'s acting provincial health officer, told reporters in a coronavirus press briefing Friday (July 9) that there is a higher risk of reinfection with Omicron than with other variants, although the subsequent infections are typically "less severe."
Additionally, it is possible to have multiple Omicron infections, noted Lavoie.
"But it's more something that we would see with something before Omicron and now we're getting infected with Omicron," he clarified.
B.C. has seen two Omicron-spurred waves of infection since the first cases of Omicron (B.1.1.529) were detected in South Africa on Nov. 9, 2021. The last wave of infections was driven by the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, which is now being replaced by the rapidly spreading BA.5 one.
"So BA.2 is going down and BA.5 is going up," he said. "We expect to see fluctuations in the number of people having to go to hospital because of it."
COVID-19 B.C.: Omicron infections climb heading into July
COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to climb in B.C., rising 35 per cent to 369 Thursday (July 7), up from 273 the previous week. This is the highest count since June 2, when there were 421 such patients in B.C. hospitals.
Experts warn the third wave of Omicron infections could peak by August, as this is the first uptick in the number of hospitalizations since May 12.
Many British Columbians will not be eligible for a fourth dose vaccine until after August, however. When asked if this puts people at risk of a BA.5 infection over the summer, Lavoie said fully vaccinated individuals — as in those who have received three doses — are in a much better place.
Health Minister Adrian Dix echoed this sentiment, adding that people also have a personal responsibility when they are in public spaces, such as wearing a mask when appropriate.
With files from Glen Korstrom
