Child under 12 York Region's first case of Omicron COVID variant

Toronto.Citynews.ca
Dec. 6, 2021
John Marchesan

York Region has confirmed its first case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in a child under 12-years-old from Vaughan.

Public health officials say the case is travel-related with the youngster coming back to Canada on Nov. 22 from the southern African region.

The child is currently isolating at home and public health is doing follow-up of all close contacts, who are also self-isolating.

“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.”

The first case of the Omicron variant in Canada was reported on Nov. 28 in the Ottawa region. This is believed to be the seventh confirmed case in Ontario. Cases have also been reported in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec.