Omicron variant: B.C. working to confirm recent travellers not infected
The B.C. government is working to confirm the troubling new Omicron COVID-19 variant hasn't been inadvertently introduced into the province by recently returned travellers.
Health officials noted they are continuously tracking the presence of emerging variants using whole genome sequencing, and that there's no evidence to suggest Omicron has reached the province yet.
The variant was first discovered in South Africa, but has since been reported in several other countries, including Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong.
Dr. Brian Conway of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre noted that what separates the latest variant of concern apart from previous strains is the unusually high number of mutations.
"There are much more genetic changes in the surface spike protein, and that is the target for the vaccine," Conway said. "That's really why there is a big concern."
The impacts of those mutations on transmissibility, severity of illness and vaccine resistance have yet to be determined, but the potential has prompted a number of countries to begin taking precautionary actions to contain the spread.
On Friday, the Canadian government banned the entry of any foreign nationals who have been to South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho or Eswatini over the last 14 days.
In a joint written statement, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry applauded the decision to impose the federal travel restriction, and outlined local efforts to monitor for the variant.
That includes working with the Canada Border Services Agency to "identify any people recently returned from the areas of concern to arrange testing and to ensure they remain well," Dix and Henry said.
There's no indication of how many travellers have recently returned to the province from those areas.
In the meantime, health officials stressed the importance of getting vaccinated to limit overall transmission of COVID-19.
"So far, all of the Health Canada-approved vaccines are highly effective and provide strong protection against all variants. We will monitor the data on this new VOC to ensure that will continue to be the case," Dix and Henry said. "Reducing transmission and having high levels of protection through vaccination continues to be our best defence against all variants of COVID-19."
The federal government has confirmed there are currently no direct flights scheduled from the southern African countries into Canada.
Any returning citizens or permanent residents will be required to quarantine for two weeks, even if they're fully vaccinated, officials said.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Travis Prasad
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.