The Regional Municipality of York reports first positive case of COVID-19 Omicron variant

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York has been notified of a positive case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The case is travel-related from the southern African region. The youth, under 12 years old from the City of Vaughan, returned to Canada on Monday, November 22, 2021 and has been isolating at home since then.

York Region Public Health continues active follow-up of all close contacts of this case. The individual’s close contacts are also isolating at home.

“York Region Public Health continues to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and we should expect to see the number of Omicron variant cases rise across York Region,” said Dr. Barry Pakes, York Region Medical Officer of Health. “Our best protection against COVID-19 and the variants of concern remains vaccination. If you are eligible for your first, second or third vaccine, I strongly urge you to get it.”

Canada reported its first cases of the Omicron variant on Sunday, November 28, 2021. The impacts of the variant are being evaluated globally to better understand the potential implications of vaccine efficacy and transmission.

While there is some evidence the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, there is also emerging evidence mRNA vaccines used in Ontario are still very effective for Omicron.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are contacted and monitored by Public Health. York Region is also working with Public Health Ontario labs for augmented case and contact management.

In addition to getting your COVID-19 vaccine, residents are encouraged to continue following public health measures such as wearing a face mask or covering, practicing proper hand hygiene, screening daily for symptoms of COVID-19 and staying home when feeling unwell.

For more information and to book a vaccination appointment, visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine

Contact Public Health if you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

You may have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, and it helps to speak with someone you can trust. Speak to your health care provider or call York Region’s Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 to speak with a public health nurse about COVID-19 vaccination to help you make an informed decision.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact:

Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
1-877-464-9675, ext. 71234
@email