The Northwestern Health Unit is reporting the first COVID-19 Variant case in the region.
The UK variant has been found in a previous case in the Dryden area and is not known to be linked to the recent increase of cases in the Kenora area.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says this should not be cause for panic, but is a wake-up call to everyone to take prevention measures seriously.
She stresses the threat of COVID-19 in our area is very real.
Dr. Young Hoon says variants are known to spread much faster.
“When a virus spreads within a day or two, instead of a week or two, many people can become infected and further spread the virus quickly. This means it is more likely that someone will be severely ill simply because so many more people are impacted. Also, there is some evidence that this variant can increase the risk of death”, explains Dr. Young Hoon.
Doctor Young Hoon tells us that there is evidence that the variant was contracted through travel and that despite being more contagious, there doesn’t seem to be any spread at this time.
More information will be released if and when it becomes available.
