Variants of Concern and Mutations of Interest (VOC/MOI)

Back to COVID-19 Landing Page​

Summary

• The provincial COVID-19 whole genome sequencing strategy moved from screening 75% of eligible samples to 100% on December 9, 2022.  
• As of June 1, 2023 there are a total of 18,253 confirmed variant cases (Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron (B.1.1.529) and Mutations of Interest (MOI)/screened positive cases). As not all cases are screened for variants or undergo whole genome sequencing, this is an underestimate of the number of variant cases in Simcoe Muskoka.
• Since mid-December, the majority of COVID-19 cases in Simcoe Muskoka that were screened for variants of concern have been identified as the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant (confirmed and suspect).
• To view the trend of VOCs over time in Ontario, please see the Weekly Whole Genome Sequencing report (Figure 1) from Public Health Ontario. To view the representative surveillance results for Simcoe Muskoka in recent weeks, please see Table 6d of the report. This report is updated every Friday.
• Screening practices for VOCs and mutations of interest may vary at the discretion of Public Health Ontario, based on public health priorities and public health lab capacity. See Technical Notes for more details
• Emerging VOCs have mutations in the virus genome that alter the characteristics and cause the virus to act differently in ways that are significant to public health. It’s important to understand that genetic mutations are expected, and some variants can spread and become predominant while others subside.

Weekly COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VOCs) Cases, Simcoe Muskoka

Links to Related Information and Resources

• SMDHU COVID-19
• Public Health Ontario information about Variants of Concern
• The World Health Organization’s guidelines on naming VOCs

Technical Notes and Definitions

Please see Technical Notes and Definitions here.

Page Last Modified: June 1, 2023