Mississauga mayor confirms Brampton resident is Peel’s first confirmed case of Omicron variant

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Published December 7, 2021 at 6:14 pm

The first Peel case of the new Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus has been confirmed in a Brampton resident.

In an Instagram interview late this afternoon with insauga.com publisher Khaled Iwamura, Mayor Bonnie Crombie confirmed that it was a Brampton resident who tested positive over the weekend for the variant, which was first identified nearly two weeks ago in South Africa.

The person is reported to have had close contact with a travel-related case identified in Halton.

Crombie added it doesn’t really matter if the first confirmed Peel case is in Brampton, Mississauga or Caledon because “…as we know, this virus moves.”

Moving forward, she urged people to continue practicing social distancing, mask wearing and, most of all, to get vaccinated.

Crombie said health experts are still studying the Omicron variant in efforts to learn more about it.

Peel health officials said on Saturday that the Brampton resident is isolating at home.

“Peel Public Health has investigated this case and risk of further spread is low,” said Peel Region in a statement on Saturday.

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.

“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.”

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