Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 naturally mutate or change over time. Most of these mutations do not change the characteristics of the virus. However, some mutations can affect virus characteristics in a meaningful way, leading to a “variant of concern”. We are most concerned about changes that affect these factors:
- How easy the virus spreads;
- How sick people get when they are infected;
- How the virus responds to vaccines and treatments; and
- How testing can detect the virus.
For more information on COVID-19 and variants currently circulating in Canada please visit:
SARS-CoV-2 variants: National definitions, designations and public health actions – Canada.ca
COVID-19 epidemiology update: Testing and variants — Canada.ca