SARS-CoV-2 variants: National definitions, classifications and public health actions

The Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial public health authorities, established the Canadian SARS-CoV-2 Variant Surveillance Group (CSVSG) to monitor and assess the impact of variants of SARS-CoV-2 on viral transmissibility, disease severity, and efficacy of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Drawing on published classifications and definitions by the World Health Organization (WHO)1 and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention2, the CSVSG has
developed draft national definitions, classifications, and public health actions for SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Interest (VOI) and Variants of Concern (VOC).
The document also provides lists of designated VOI and VOC. These lists will be regularly reviewed and updated. Variant status may be escalated or de-escalated based on scientific evidence.

Visit the PHAC site for the most up-to-date classifications: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/testing-diagnosing-case-reporting/sars-cov-2-variants-national-definitions-classifications-public-health-actions.html#a2