Public Health has confirmed that the first case of the new Omicron XBB1.5 has been detected in NL.
The variant is considered to be the most transmissible strain to date, but Public Health says there is no indication at this time that it results in more severe illness.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Janice Fitzgerald says geomatic testing at the local microbiology lab detected the newest strain.
Dr. Fitzgerald added the new variant being more transmissible might be the most advantageous situation.
Based on what is being seen in other countries, Dr. Fitzgerald expects that the new variant will become the dominant strain circulating.
Courtesy from VOCM news.