'Kraken' may not be in London, Ont. yet, but it’s only a matter of time: health officials
Local health officials say they’re closely monitoring the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant, scientifically known as XBB.1.5, and informally referred to as ‘Kraken.’
While it’s not known to be in the Middlesex-London region yet, officials say it’s likely just a matter of time.
Parents Delcio and Kirstin Burgos said they’re not too worried just yet, but it was on their minds when they sent their junior kindergarten-aged daughter back to school Monday morning after the holiday break.
“We’ve had a mask on our daughter, and we’ve basically been sick since she started school in September,” said Kirstin.
“We thought about it this morning a little bit, but I mean we’re not overly concerned,” added Delcio.
According to early indicators, health officials say XBB.1.5 may be the most infectious sub-variant that they have seen.
Middlesex London Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers said people need to earn to live with new strains that come and go.
“COVID never went away, and that COVID will always be part of what we have to consider during respiratory season, and across the world,” said Summers. “So this is a reminder for me, a reminder not to let our vigilance drop.”
London Health Sciences Centre said in a statement that it’s continuing to monitor development of the XBB.1.5 sub-variant.
“Recognizing vigilance in daily interactions is our best defense against the virus, we are encouraging staff, physicians and the community to follow direction from public health, including being up-to-date on vaccinations, continuing to mask, practicing proper hand hygiene and staying home if sick,” said
Dr. Michael Payne, medical director of infection prevention and control at LHSC.
In the meantime, according to Summers, 70 per cent of those eligible to receive the bivalent shot for COVID-19 have yet to receive the shot.
He said he’s hoping for stronger uptick.
“In the last few weeks we’ve actually seen an increase in many of our metrics that suggest COVID is circulating in our community. However, that doesn’t mean that the vaccines aren’t doing their job. The vaccines are essential for protecting against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, and truly our best friend in this fight,” said Summers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6956378.1720521139!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Trudeau to attend NATO leaders' summit as Russia escalates aggression toward Ukraine
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be gathering with NATO leaders today to mark the 75th anniversary of the defensive alliance as Russia escalates its aggression towards Ukraine.
How much more likely was Eastern Canada's heat wave because of climate change?
Federal officials are set to say how much more likely Eastern Canada's heat wave was because of human-caused climate change.
Kyiv mourns as rescuers make last-ditch efforts at children's hospital hit by Russian missile
Rescue operations stretched into a second day at a major Kyiv children's hospital struck by a Russian missile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday, adding that 38 people were killed and almost 200 injured in an intense daytime barrage that smashed into cities across the country.
'Nobody said anything': Former student recalls sexual advances by Frank Stronach
A former student and scholarship recipient at the company once helmed by Frank Stronach is speaking out about an “unwelcome but not illegal” sexual interaction involving the billionaire in the 1980s, when he was in his 50s and she was 19 years old.
Canadians less optimistic about finances amid worries about inflation, income: survey
Canadians are feeling less optimistic about their finances, with respondents worried about inflation, income levels and a potential recession at the midpoint of the year.
Ex-Quebec junior hockey players jailed for sexual assault of teen at hotel in 2021
Two former Quebec junior hockey players were handed prison sentences Monday for sexually assaulting a minor at a hotel in June 2021 in the aftermath of a Victoriaville Tigres championship celebration.
CFIA recalls brands of almond, cashew, coconut and oat milk due to Listeria concerns
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says numerous Silk and Great Value brand plant-based refrigerated beverages are being recalled due to Listeria concerns.
Five things to know as Canada meets Argentina in Copa America semifinal
After a dramatic win over Venezuela in the Copa America quarterfinal, the Canadian men’s soccer team takes on Argentina in a David versus Goliath semifinal on Tuesday night.
Bodies of 3 mountaineers recovered near Squamish, B.C.
The bodies of three mountaineers who died on a difficult climb near Squamish, B.C., earlier this year have been recovered, authorities said Monday.