Omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in London region: MLHU
A day after a cluster of COVID-19 cases "highly likely" linked to the Omicron variant were reported, one case with the new variant has been confirmed, according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU).
The health unit was informed Tuesday afternoon that whole genome sequencing of the sample was completed and confirms that Omicron has arrived in Middlesex-London.
On Monday, the MLHU reported that based on travel history and screening positive for a specific marker associated with Omicron, there was a "strong probability" that the variant had arrived in the region.
The two cases were linked to travellers who arrived in London from Nigeria in late November.
There are now 40 cases connected to the cluster, which officials say involves 171 high-risk close contacts.
MLHU Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers said despite not having additional test results they are treating all cases in the cluster as linked to Omicron.
“The chances that the other cases associated with this cluster are Omicron are essentially 100 per cent. In my view, there may be one or two cases that are coincidentally linked here but are actually caused by the Delta variant. However, given our investigation to date, we are treating all cases associated with this cluster as though they are a result of the Omicron burial variant.“
So far a number of locations from day cares to a church have been associated with the cluster or potential close contacts including:
- God's Favourite House church (14 cases)
- Princess Elizabeth Public School (one case)
- Delaware Public School (two cases)
- St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Elementary School (five cases)
- St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School (three cases)
- St. Mary Choir and Orchestra Catholic School (two cases)
The three Catholic schools have closed for the week due to the large number of staff and students required to self-isolate as a result of being possible close contacts.
One major difference from previous outbreaks is that with Omicron even fully-vaccinated close contacts are being asked to quarantine to minimize the risk of transmission. With previous variants they would need to get tested but not self-isolate.
The health unit says it is continuing to follow up with persons under investigation for the variant and close contacts of confirmed cases.
Summers says the key now is "...we must continue as a community to make sure that we're doing everything we can to reduce our risk of COVID transmission as we head into the holiday season, which means getting vaccinated, wearing your mask, making sure that mask fits and reducing your social contacts through this holiday season."
Additional confirmations of the variant in other connected cases are expected in the coming days.
- With files from CTV News London's Marek Sutherland
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.