Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health says the two new cases of the Omicron variant confirmed in the province may be the first, but not the last.
Dr Kieran Moore says genomic sequencing is now being conducted on 100 per cent of eligible positive samples in Ontario.
Moore says the province is also expanding eligibility for PCR Testing to individuals who have returned from or travelled in several locations since November 1st, including South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
He said the list may be updated as the situation progresses and is urging anyone showing symptoms of the virus to get tested right away.
Moore acknowledged that the new variant is concerning, but he says vaccination in combination with public health measures have been working to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in our community.
He wants to reassure Ontarians that the province is prepared to respond to the Omicron or any other new variant of the coronavirus.
Moore says he will not be implementing any new public health restrictions at this time.
As for new border rules? He says that will be up to the federal government, with whom they are working in close contact.
LIVE: Ontario’s top doctor discusses omicron COVID-19 variant
➡️https://t.co/N3n88fCuLJEN DIRECT : Le médecin hygiéniste en chef de l’Ontario discute de la variante omicron du coronavirus
➡️https://t.co/1Jq2lP1Kiz
#onpoli | #cdnpoli | #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/7pjmnWFaBA— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) November 29, 2021
Ontario has confirmed two cases of the Omicron #COVID19 variant.
The province is prepared & ready to respond, with the infrastructure in place to test, trace & isolate COVID-19.
If you need the vaccine or are eligible for a booster, please book today. https://t.co/mCFrjAO8ER
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) November 28, 2021