The Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 was last year's unpleasant holiday surprise. More than a year later, a loosely knit group of "disease detectives" across Canada continues to keep watch for key mutations. Poon, Brinkman and dozens of other trackers across Canada meet weekly, virtually, applying their computational and modelling skills to COVID-19. Beyond COVID-19, Brinkman hopes to apply the tools scientists have developed during the pandemic to study other troublesome infections, like influenza. "We are definitely going to be seeing new variants," Brinkman said.

Source: CBC News December 27, 2022 15:46 UTC