Canada is likely at the start of the new wave of COVID-19 infections, according to health experts. COVID-19 continues to mutate and has recently spawned two variants, EG.5, a subvariant of Omicron, and BA.2.86. Scientists are closely monitoring the viruses including the currently dominant XBB.1.5, which itself is much more transmissible and deadly than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2.