COVID-19 viral levels in Regina wastewater now considered 'moderate': U of R
COVID-19 viral levels in Regina wastewater now considered 'moderate': U of R
COVID-19 viral levels in Regina’s wastewater have dropped to the lowest levels seen since the beginning of the Omicron wave and are now considered moderate, according to analysis from the University of Regina (U of R).
“Moderate essentially means we are at about 50 per cent of the maximum (viral levels) of the Alpha wave,” U of R molecular biologist Tzu-Chiao Chao said.
“We are now, for the first time, dipping below the highest levels of the Alpha and Delta waves, respectfully.”
Before the Omicron wave the highest levels were found in mid-December of 2020 and April of 2021, the U of R said.
According to Chao, Regina’s viral load has been on a “path to reduction” since May, but it has been fairly slow.
Based on patterns from previous years, and the fact that more people are spending time outside, Chao said he is hopeful the downward trend will continue. However, if previous years are any indication, levels could begin to increase in the fall “potentially driven by a new variant,” he said.
In its last weekly update, the provincial government reported 12 more COVID-19 related deaths in Saskatchewan.
The province also announced that weekly updates will end and shift to monthly updates, starting August 18.
Chao said the U of R does not have any plans to change its wastewater data reporting schedule in the foreseeable future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Pope Francis said Thursday. The pontiff issued his statement through Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See press office.

Closed-door national security committee of parliamentarians reviewing spyware use
Parliament's top-secret national security committee is launching a review into federal agencies' ability to intercept private communications, on the heels of the RCMP revealing it has been using spyware as part of major investigations, for decades.
Advocates say use of NDAs should be banned in sexual misconduct settlements
In the wake of the Hockey Canada scandal, some advocates are calling for the use of non-disclosure agreements to be banned or restricted in settlement agreements in cases involving abuse.
BREAKING | Trump Organization CFO pleads guilty in tax evasion case
A top executive at former U.S. President Donald Trump's family business pleaded guilty Thursday to evading taxes in a deal with prosecutors that could potentially make him a star witness against the company at a trial this fall.
Majority of people with Omicron don't know they have it: study
A new study has found that more than half of people infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were unaware they had it. Undiagnosed infections could be the reason why the variant spread so rapidly, according to researchers.
Canada-wide shortage of liquid Children's Tylenol now also impacting chewables
A nationwide shortage of liquid Children’s Tylenol is also impacting generic chewables, with Quebec-based Laboratoire Riva reporting a shortage due to rising demand.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy hosts talks with UN chief, Turkey leader
Turkey's president and the UN chief met with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy on Thursday in a high-stakes bid to ratchet down a war raging for nearly six months, boost desperately needed grain exports and secure the safety of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
No drugs, just lots of dancing at 'wild' party: Finland PM Sanna Marin
Finland's prime minister says she did not take any drugs during a 'wild' party in a private home, adding she did nothing wrong when letting her hair down and partying with friends.