Stephen: Dept of Health comments on presence of EG.5 variant of COVID-19 in NL

The Department of Health and Community Services has commented on the EG.5 strain of COVID-19 that is becoming the dominant strain of the virus, saying that  it has been detected in Canada since May and has been detected in Newfoundland and Labrador. They go on to say therere is no indication that it is of more concern than the other subvariants in circulation. The WHO has listed EG.5 as a variant under monitoring (not a variant of concern yet) and to date there is no indication that it causes more severe illness.

As previously stated, Public Health will continue to follow NACI recommendations on the delivery of a Fall booster campaign, and further details will be made public at a later date. At this time, the booster campaign addresses the continued presence of COVID-19 in the community and the importance of vaccination  in reducing hospitalization and death in those at higher risk for severe illness.

The provincial government continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our province and other jurisdictions. As COVID-19 continues to circulate, Public health continues to remind the public that the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to vaccinate and keep up to date with booster shots, staying at home when ill, practicing good hygiene and staying informed. Masking also adds an additional layer of protection. For the most up to date information, visit: Protect Yourself – COVID-19 (gov.nl.ca)