There has been a confirmed case of the UK variant in a high school student in Dryden.
The Northwestern Health Unit expects more variant cases to be confirmed in the upcoming days and it’s unclear at this time if this cluster is linked to the COVID-19 outbreak at the local Walmart.
Earlier this year, Dryden saw its first UK variant case, and officials say it’s possible that this has continued to spread in the community since that time.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says Dryden has low testing rates compared to other communities in the northwest and she urges those with symptoms to get tested.
“The only way to know if someone has COVID-19 is to get tested. When people have a symptom but don’t get tested or isolate, COVID-19 spreads,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
She adds it’s also critical for anyone with symptoms and their household members to self-isolate immediately.
Dr. Young Hoon stresses, “It is disheartening and also dangerous when people do not follow precautionary measures when ill.”
Contact information for the Dryden Assessment Centre:
223-3737
assess@drhc.on.ca
