A new sub-variant of Omicron is in circulation in the province, prompting a warning from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald to expect a spike in cases and hospitalizations in the next two to four weeks.

The BA-5 variant is more effective at evading the protections provided by vaccines and previous COVID infections.

Fitzgerald says screening of positive test samples shows that BA-5 has arrived. She says they’ve picked up the sub-variant in local test samples for the last two to three weeks.

While they won’t prevent you from getting the virus, up-to-date vaccinations do offer the best protection against developing serious illness says Fitzgerald.

Residents 50 years of age or older, particularly those who have underlying health conditions or who are immunocompromised, will be able to book their second boosters either through Public Health or their local pharmacy starting next Wednesday.

Updated vaccines that offer protection from some of the sub-variants of Omicron are expected to be available sometime this fall according to some of the larger pharmaceutical companies. Fitzgerald indicates that’s something to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to book a second booster at this time.

It’s hard to know what the supply of the new vaccine might be cautions Fitzgerald. Based on what they know, the greatest risk for serious illness and hospitalization is among the 50-plus population.

Masks remain one of the more effective means of preventing spread of the virus.