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First case of variant of concern from South Africa identified in North Bay

Case is linked by close contact to an international traveller
CDChandoutCOVID-19PublicDomain
This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has identified the Northeast's first case of the variant of concern from South Africa in a person in North Bay. 

The individual who tested positive for the variant of concern (VOC) from South Africa has been identified as a close contact of an international traveler and is self-isolating.

“We must stay home and follow public health and safety guidelines. When trips outside the home are required, try to keep them as low-contact as possible, for your own protection and the protection of others. We need to stop the spread of COVID-19 Variant of Concern, and if we don’t act now, it could be devastating for the entire district,” Dr. Jim Chirico, medical officer of health, is quoted saying in a news release.  

As of Feb. 13, there are 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases with a VOC in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit region, 18 cases in the Nipissing District and two (2) cases in the District of Parry Sound. The two COVID-19 cases in the District of Parry Sound with preliminary positive results for a COVID-19 VOC are not associated with the community outbreak in North Bay, and the exact strain for these two cases has not yet been determined.

Scientists and medical professionals are concerned that VOC are more transmissible than the original coronavirus and research is currently ongoing to determine the effectiveness of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines against them.

The Health Unit is reminding residents that anyone can get COVID-19 and VOC, and to be COVID-19 kind no matter what the situation may be.

The Health Unit adds that it is important that individuals feel comfortable seeking care and COVID-19 testing. This may not happen if individuals feel they will be stigmatized and harassed by their own community.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek testing or further care. If you need further assistance, call your health care provider or the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should call 911 and mention your symptoms if you are able.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.


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