The Delta variant is behind a recent cluster of COVID cases in the Western Health region.

Seven cases have been identified, the source of which is under investigation.

Medical Officer of Health with Western Health, Dr. Monica Dutt, says while she can’t speak to specific cases, recent trends involving confirmed positive cases in Newfoundland and Labrador are similar to those in other parts of the country.

The majority of those who are testing positive are either not vaccinated for one reason or another, or are not fully vaccinated says Dr. Dutt. Among the “small number” of those who are fully vaccinated and have tested positive, most are experiencing mild symptoms, or are asymptomatic. The ratios here are similar to those in other jurisdictions according to Dutt.

Western Health has seen an increase in the number of people who have contacted them for a COVID test. She says those hoping to get tested may see a slight delay in getting their appointment because of the volume of calls, with priority going to people who are symptomatic.