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
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.