Three new COVID-19 UK variant found, one case in Peel Region

January 7, 2021 · 0 Comments

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Province announced on December 26, the first two Ontario cases of the COVID-19 variant first found in the United Kingdom, and later a third a day after.

Though studies are still being conducted to understand the new strain, the COVID-19 variant has already been found to spread easier and faster, but has not shown signs of it being more severe.

The first two cases came from a Durham Region couple who had no known travel history or exposure, while the third reportedly recently traveled to the UK.

Ontario Public Health has recently announced three new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant, where all three individuals have travelled or come in contact with another who has.

The three new cases have been found in the GTA, including a resident from Toronto, York and Peel Region.

The Peel resident, though with no personal travel of their own, came into contact with another individual who recently travelled to Dubai.

Several variants have been found, including in the UK, South Africa, and Nigeria.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scientists are continuing to learn more about the variants and whether the current available vaccines will protect people.

“Travel only if absolutely necessary,” said Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe, in a press conference. “If you do travel, you must maintain in your quarantine for 14 days upon return to the country.”

“I cannot emphasize how important this is. COVID-19 does not know borders,” she said.