The virus that causes COVID-19, like all viruses, is constantly changing.
Globally, there are multiple COVID-19 variants of concern, most notably the following have been detected in Canada:
B.1.1.7: first identified in the United Kingdom and the most common variant in Canada currently
B.1.351: first identified in South Africa
P.1: first identified in Brazil
They were initially imported via travel from outside the country. However, we are now seeing an increase in community spread of these variants of concern
The Government of Canada continues to work with the provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to track and respond to these variants of concern
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) continues to:
review new research and information about the COVID-19 variants as they become available
provide updates
Contact tracing and testing
The COVID-19 point of care tests cannot detect if a case of COVID-19 is caused by the original COVID-19 strain or the variants of concern. In order to test for variants, positive samples undergo sophisticated testing in provincial and national laboratories
If an individual's sample is suspected or confirmed as a variant of concern, local public health authorities will contact that person about the next steps to be taken
The absolute risk of death associated with the variants of concern remains relatively low. However, as the variants can spread more easily than the original COVID-19 strain, ISC strongly encourages actions are taken to ensure all possible close contacts of infected persons are identified. This will ensure timely detection of new cases and reduce the spread of transmission
Local public health, First Nations community nursing stations and health centres will continue to work together to follow provincial or territorial guidelines for:
contact tracing
testing
isolation
other public health measures
Public health measures
For First Nations communities, we recommend that people with presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 variants of concern who live with others in overcrowded or poorly ventilated housing:
isolate in alternative isolation accommodations when possible
insure that all household contacts wear medical masks indoors
This is an important step to stop the variants of concern from spreading to other people in the household as well as the community. Individuals should follow their provincial or territorial advice on alternative isolation accommodations and isolation protocols
Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal length of isolation for close contacts. This will be influenced by the circumstances of the exposure. Individuals should follow their provincial or territorial health authority's guidance for isolation or quarantine after COVID-19 exposure, including exposure to variants of concern
Until a large number of people across Canada are vaccinated and we understand the virus following vaccination, everyone must continue to follow public health measures including:
washing your hands often
staying home when you're sick
maintaining physical distancing
wearing a face mask, even if you've been vaccinated