Dr. Deena Hinshaw says about 60% of COVID-19 cases are nor of new B.A. 2 strain

Alberta's chief medical officer of health says the Omicron subvariant has become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the province.

Doctor Deena Hinshaw says about 60 per cent of positive cases are now the B-A-2 strain.

She says the subvariant is more transmissible than Omicron, but doesn't appear to be causing more severe infections or outcomes.

But she adds a surge in cases, even if not life-threatening, can still have a big effect on the public and health care.

Dr. Hinshaw says she expects to see transmissions trending upwards in the coming weeks.