The Delta Variants

As Canada and several other countries are seeing increasing vaccination rates and are taking steps towards opening up our communities, it’s safe to say that many of us are feeling more hopeful than we have in a long time. However, we are also hearing more and more about the delta and delta plus variants of the coronavirus – and what is being reported is concerning. In fact, according to the CBC, the delta variant has already forced new shutdowns in Australia and Bangladesh where vaccination rates are very low.

Medical News Today says that the delta variant “has demonstrated 40% – 60% increased transmission in comparison with the previously dominant alpha variant.” In the article, they reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated: “Delta and other circulating variants of concern remain a higher public health risk, as they have demonstrated increases in transmission.” The article also says that public health authorities in England and India have declared the delta plus variant to be a “variant of concern.”

According to medical professionals, the current WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines provide protection from the variants, but those who are not vaccinated are at much greater risk of catching it and needing hospitalization than under the original COVID-19 strain. YaleMedicine.org provides insight into the delta variant and what you need to know. It is worth a read.

While countries around the world, including Canada, are returning to some sense of normalcy in phases, it is vital to remember that we aren’t out of the woods yet. It is crucial that everyone who can get vaccinated does so, as soon as possible. It is just as important that you receive your second shot as quickly as you can too – for your own health and safety as well as others. We don’t want any variant (and especially the delta variants) to spread further.