A third case of new COVID-19 variant found in Ottawa

A third case of the new COVID-19 variant has been reported in Ottawa in a person who had recently traveled from the United Kingdom.

This news comes one day after the province reported it’s first two cases in a couple from Durham. Yesterday, public health said that the couple had no known travel history, or exposure to high-risk contacts. After further investigation they are now reporting that this couple had been in close contact with a recent traveler from the UK.

All of those infected with the COVID-19 variant are in self-isolation.

Public health says it is critical that all those with confirmed cases of COVID-19 provide all history of contacts and contact information to their public health unit.

“This further reinforces the need for Ontarians to stay home as much as possible and continue to follow all public health advice, including the provincewide shutdown measures,” said Ontario’s Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe. “This is also an important reminder about the need for arriving international travelers to maintain quarantine for 14 days.”

Modelling and epidemiological studies suggest that the COVID-19 variant first identified in the UK can spread easier and faster, but there is no evidence that it is more likely to cause severe illness. There is no evidence to suggest that the Health Canada-approved vaccines will be any less effective against the new variant.

With the confirmation of three cases stemming from inbound international travel, the province is calling on the federal government to partner with Ontario to implement improved testing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. However, the province says they are prepared to implement an airport testing program even without federal support.

Canada has posted a travel ban on all flights arriving from the U.K. until January 6th, 2021.