We are pleased to inform you that the second phase of the Action to Beat Coronavirus in Canada study (Ab-C) is nearing completion.
This includes analysis of the blood samples and correlating the lab results with responses to the survey collected in January and February, 2021, representing mostly infections from the second viral wave.
Here is What We Found About the Second Wave of Canada’s Coronavirus Pandemic
About 5-6% of Canadian adults aged 18 or older were positive for COVID-19 antibodies in Phase 2, a sharp increase from the 2% positive that we reported earlier for the first viral wave (May- September 2020).
Looking at the Results of Phase 2 in Detail, We Find:
- Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia all rose to similar prevalence of about 5-6%.
- Atlantic Provinces had lower prevalence at 2-3% and had lower increase in prevalence between Phase 1 and Phase 2 than other provinces.
- Visible minorities had a higher prevalence than non-minorities.
- People who reported COVID symptoms were far more likely to have a positive blood antibody test.
- Prevalence of antibodies was similar in men and women, and the increase of prevalence between Phase 1 and Phase 2 was similar among all participants.
- The 60-69 year-old age group had a slightly higher prevalence rate than other age groups (i.e. 18-39, 40-59 and 70+), although the increase in prevalence between Phase 1 and Phase 2 was similar in all age groups.
- In people who had antibodies to the virus, between 60-95% had retained them up to 7 months later, with only a modest decline, suggesting that the viral infection that causes COVID-19 creates a durable immune response.
What Comes Next?
Ab-C Phase 3 2021: Studying the Third Viral Wave and Vaccinated Canadians
We need your help to continue to track the pandemic, to understand what happened with the third viral wave, and what the antibody response is among the many Canadians now vaccinated against COVID-19.
Here is how you can help, whether or not you have been vaccinated:
- If you have been invited to take the Angus Reid online survey on COVID symptoms, please complete it as soon as you can — if you have not already done so.
- If you signed up to get a home sample collection kit but have not yet completed and returned the collection, please do so. More instructions can be found HERE.
Thanks for being part of the fight against COVID.
Sincerely,
The Entire Ab-C and Angus Reid Forum Team