Two cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in Ottawa
Two Ottawa residents who recently travelled to Nigeria have tested positive for the newly discovered Omicron variant of COVID-19, the first cases of the variant in Canada.
The Ontario government announced the two cases of the variant were confirmed in the capital on Sunday, saying the cases are in individuals who had recently travelled from Nigeria to Ottawa. No other details were released.
The two people are self-isolating.
"In the coming days, we may see an increase in the number of people testing positive because of transmission of the Omicron variant in Ottawa," said medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches, in a statement Sunday evening.
"It is important to remember that this is not a new virus and that the public health measures that we practise will help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve. Book a COVID-19 test immediately."
Etches says Ottawa Public Health follows up directly with all individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts.
"To protect the privacy of the individual, Ottawa Public Health cannot disclose additional information about any case of COVID-19," said Dr. Etches.
The World Health Organization designated B.1.1.529 a variant of concern last week, and named it "Omicron." The WHO said the variant was first reported by officials in South Africa on Nov. 24, and the first confirmed case came from a specimen collected on Nov. 9.
Dr. Etches says Ottawa Public Health is introducing new self-isolation and testing requirements for residents who have travelled to eight countries within 14 days before arriving in Canada, "to reduce the transmission of the Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution."
The health unit advises individuals who have been to Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibia, within 14 days before arriving in Ottawa, and members of their households to:
- Immediately self-isolate even if fully vaccinated. Follow federal guidance, and any additional guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health if contacted.
- Seek testing for COVID-19 at one of Ottawa’s assessment centres regardless of whether they have symptoms. "Federal guidance at this time is for testing to occur immediately upon arrival and eight days after arrival," said the health unit.
- Isolate from household members. Example, stay in a separate room or stay in an isolation centre until receiving a negative test result.
For information about staying in an isolation centre, Ottawa Public Health says you can call 613-580-2424 ext. 25890 or email OPHisolationcentre@ottawa.ca.
On Friday, Canada announced travel restrictions for individuals who have visited seven countries in southern Africa. Nigeria was not on the list of the countries affected by Canada's travel restrictions.
In a statement, Health Minister Christine Elliott and chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore confirmed the two cases in Ottawa.
"Ontario is prepared and ready to respond to this new variant," said the statement.
"Our hospital and intensive care capacity remain stable and the province continues to report one of the lowest rates of active cases in the country. The Ontario COVID-19 Genomic Network is continuing to actively monitor for all potential variants circulating in the province, including the Omicron variant."
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the detection of the two cases of the Omicron variant of concern in Ottawa shows Canada's monitoring system is working.
"As the monitoring and testing continues with provinces and territories, it is expected that other cases of this variant will be found in Canada," said Duclos in a statement late Sunday afternoon.
"I know that this new variant may seem concerning, but I want to remind Canadians that vaccination, in combination with public health and individual protective measures, is working to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in our communities."
The federal government announced a ban on foreign nationals who had travelled to seven countries in southern Africa over the past 14 days from entering Canada. The countries include South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been in the countries in the previous 14 days will be subject to enhanced testing, screening, and quarantine measures. All travellers will be required to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status.
Federal Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra says the federal government is prepared to strengthen measures to deal with the Omicron variant.
"Our government's priority will always be the health and safety of Canadians. We have some of the most robust border measures in the world and we announced further measures regarding the new variant Omicron," said Alghabra on Twitter.
With files from CP24 Web Content Writer Bryann Aguilar
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.