COVID-19 Omicron variant found in Hamilton resident who recently returned from South Africa

Published December 4, 2021 at 12:34 pm

The city has confirmed today (Dec. 4) that a Hamilton resident who recently returned from travelling to South Africa has tested positive for the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The news come shortly after the province said it was investigating two possible cases of Omicron in Hamilton on Monday, Nov. 29.

“The result for the second case under investigation is in the process of being sequenced and expected in the coming days,” according to a statement from the city. “Hamilton Public Health Services is conducting case and contact management and the two individuals and their case contacts continue to self-isolate.”

To protect the privacy of individuals, Hamilton Public Health Services says it cannon share additional information about any case of COVID-19.

Hamilton Public Health Services is working with the province and Public Health Ontario to monitor COVID-19 variants of concern, including Delta and Omicron, and will “take strong action if necessary.”

To reduce Omicron transmission, Hamilton Public Health Services is strongly advising Hamilton residents who have recently been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to self-isolate for 14 days (even if fully vaccinated) and get tested at one of the city’s assessment centres.

“It’s important for the community to remain calm and have confidence that all levels of government will follow the science as it relates to the Omicron variant,” said Dr. Ninh Tran, Associate Medical Officer of Health.

“The best way you can prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated and keep your guard up by following the well-established public health measures including wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, limiting close contacts and staying home when you’re unwell.”

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