First case of COVID-19 Omicron variant confirmed in Peel Region (Mississauga and Brampton)

Published December 4, 2021 at 8:42 pm

The first confirmed case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant has been identified in Peel, the Region reported this evening (Dec. 4).

It’s reported that the individual in question had close contact with a travel-related case identified in Halton Region.

“The individual is currently isolating at home. Peel Public Health has investigated this case and risk of further spread is low,” said Peel Region in a statement today.

Following provincial guidance, the Region says all Omicron cases and high-risk close contacts are required to get tested and self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status.

At this time, it hasn’t been confirmed in which city Peel’s first Omicron case was found in.

“With variants like Omicron emerging around the world, residents must continue to mask, socially distance, and get tested and isolate when sick,” said Peel’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lawrence Loh.

“More importantly, I encourage you to get two doses of the vaccine as soon as possible. Those eligible for a third or booster dose are encouraged to get their additional dose as well.”

The province confirmed last Sunday its first two cases of the Omicron variant, with several regions within Ontario also reporting their first cases of the variant throughout the past week.

According to Loh, it’s too early to say what the discovery of the new variant means for residents of Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon.

“We don’t necessarily know what the potential impact of Omicron is going to be,” Dr. Loh said during a press conference on Wednesday. “We’re still in the early days when it comes to the science of Omicron.”

While he didn’t make a prediction regarding whether residents should expect the return of restrictions due to the emergence of this new variant, Dr. Loh did point out the percentage of vaccinated residents in Brampton continues to increase, and even if the variant is resistant to the vaccine, it’s extremely unlikely current vaccines would be completely ineffective.

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