B.C. confirms 4 more cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant
Another four cases of the concerning Omicron COVID-19 variant have been confirmed in British Columbia, health officials announced Tuesday.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the latest cases were identified over the weekend, and all involve people who recently returned from international travel.
There are also a number of "suspect and pending" cases that Henry said are likely to be confirmed as Omicron soon.
"That is not a surprise," she added. "As we've said, once we start to look for it, it is likely that we are going to find it. We know this virus travels quickly and it travels in people and when people move the virus strains move with them."
Of the five cases confirmed in B.C. so far, three involve people who were fully vaccinated, each with a different combination of COVID-19 vaccines. The other two cases involve people who were unvaccinated.
The individuals range in age from 18 to 60, and most of them recently returned from travel to African countries, including Nigeria and Egypt. One recently returned from Iran, officials said.
Henry said they have all had mild or asymptomatic reactions to the virus so far.
Last week, the B.C. government confirmed that 204 people had been identified as recent travellers to Omicron-affected countries, and that each was being tested and told to isolate.
There are now rules in place requiring international travellers arriving from everywhere except the U.S. to be tested at the airport. Those who are fully vaccinated must then quarantine at home while awaiting their results, and those who are unvaccinated must quarantine for two weeks at a designated facility.
Canada has also temporarily banned entry to foreign nationals who have recently travelled to Nigeria, Malawi, Egypt, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.
B.C.'s provincial health officer acknowledged the anxiety being created by the emergence of a new variant, which experts have noted has an unusually high number of mutations, and encouraged people to support one another until more information is gathered on Omicron.
"Our brains abhor uncertainty. It's one of those things that can cause stress and depression in people and we've been living with this uncertainty for a long time," Henry said.
It's unclear whether Omicron's mutations make it more transmissible, cause more severe illness, or decrease vaccine effectiveness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has said the current vaccines are "expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths" even for those infected with the new variant.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.