Southwestern Public Health Confirms First Variant of Concern Cases in Our Region

Thursday, 4 March 2021 11:18

Two people, who live in the same house have tested positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern in the SW Public Health Region. It's believed they contacted the variant by travelling out of country.

Southwestern Public Health has confirmed two cases of COVID-19 variants in the region.

The variant was discovered in two residents who live together. It's believed they contracted the variant through out of country travel. Both have been following strict self-isolation requirements and are now considered resolved. The Health Unit did not provide information where the two people with the Variant of Concern live in the Southwestern Public Health Region which includes Oxford County, Elgin County, Woodstock and St. Thomas.

A COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) is a mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for which there is evidence of impact on public health practices or the care and treatment of an affected individual.

The Health Unit has yet to determine what the impact of this variant being our community will mean. It could impact the rate of transmission, severity of illness, and /or the COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness to protect against it.

Public Health Ontario routinely tests 3% of all positive COVID-19 cases across the province and up to three samples when a setting is declared to be in an outbreak.

Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says they are working to contain these variants from spreading.

"The goal in a region like ours, with very few VOCs, is to contain and prevent further spread. Our team is providing enhanced follow-up and increased vigilance to do our best to avoid a VOC from entering high
priority settings like congregate living, health care settings, schools, or large essential workplaces. My message does not change. Continue to avoid close contact with people you don't live with, if you have any symptoms – even mild symptoms - stay home except to get a COVID test. Wash your hands often, wear your face covering properly. COVID-19 is still with us and we do not want these variants to get a foothold in our region and reverse all of your hard work."