The so-called 'Kraken' variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Waterloo Region.
Public Health Ontario data shows there were 14 positive test results locally for the new Omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5, between December 18 and January 14.
A request has been sent to Region of Waterloo Public Health for comment.
Waterloo Region's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, has previously said that we should expect to see new variants emerge locally, as well as additional waves of COVID-19.
"There has been talk about new variants -- such as the new XBB.1.5 variant, nicknamed 'Kraken' by some -- which is rising across Ontario and Canada," said Dr. Wang during a regional council meeting last week. "However, the impact may not be dissimilar to what we've seen the last several months. That is moderate waves, up and down, of COVID-19 infection. In the face of new variants, and a background level of vaccinations and previous infections, our recommendations remain the same."
Dr. Wang encouraged residents to stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, and improve or maintain good indoor air ventilation.
