Two individuals from Ottawa and one from Montreal were confirmed positive on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29, respectively
Three Canadians have tested positive for the new Omicron COVID-19 variant, according to health officials.
Two cases were confirmed in Ottawa on Nov. 28 and one in Montreal on Nov. 29.
Omicron was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South African health officials on Nov. 24. It has since been classified as a variant of concern by the WHO.
While it is unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible than other COVID-19 variants, early research has shown that Omicron is associated with a higher risk of reinfection. Scientists have also expressed some concern that existing COVID-19 vaccines may not be as effective against the variant.
Canadian public health officials disclosed that all three individuals who have tested positive for Omicron recently travelled to Nigeria, where it is believed that they contracted the virus.
In addition to these three confirmed cases, the government has also identified four more people in Ottawa and Hamilton who could potentially be infected with Omicron. All four individuals are awaiting test results.
This announcement came just days after the federal government implemented new travel restrictions in response to rising Omicron infection rates in southern Africa.
On Nov. 26, Canada closed its borders to foreign nationals who have travelled through South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique within the past 14 days.
While Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have recently visited these countries are permitted to return home, they are required to complete at least two COVID-19 tests—one before departing for Canada and a second upon arrival. While waiting for their results, they must quarantine in a designated hotel. Individuals who test negative will be released from the hotel, but will then be required to self-isolate for 14 days in their homes.
Aside from these new travel restrictions, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore confirmed on Nov. 29 that the government has no plans to introduce additional public health measures at this time. However, Moore made it clear that Ontario would be placing its reopening plan on hold until further notice.
Global Affairs Canada has issued an advisory urging Canadians to avoid travel to southern Africa. Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra also took the opportunity to remind Canadians that they must be aware of the risks that come with travelling during a global pandemic.
Nonetheless, Canadians who find themselves stranded overseas are encouraged to contact the government’s emergency watch centre so that officials can ensure they are returned home safely.
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