The Northwestern Health Unit says two COVID-19 cases in our region have come back positive for the UK variant.
All COVID tests that come back positive are screened for variants of concern.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says the two cases are unrelated to one another.
Young Hoon says one case is in the Fort Frances area and had recently returned to the area from a higher risk region.
Case and contact follow up has taken place and all close contacts are in isolation.
She says they are awaiting test results from close contacts to determine the likelihood of further spread.
The other case is a previously positive case, linked to our area’s first reported variant of concern in the Dryden area.
Young Hoon says “This emphasizes the need for individuals and their household members to self-isolate immediately when someone has a symptom of COVID-19. Variants of concern can spread incredibly fast.”
She is urging everyone to take prevention measures seriously.
“This is our opportunity to stop the spread of the virus. Do not gather with anyone that you do not live with. Stay 2 metres from others not in your household at all times even outdoors.”
Young Hoon adds, “Get tested even if you have only one symptom and you and anyone you live with should stay home until the test results are known. Do not travel unless it is essential especially to areas of higher risk including Thunder Bay.”
“We have had reports of people from Thunder Bay travelling to our region to access service. We do not recommend this unless it is absolutely essential.”
