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Test results show possible COVID-19 variant in Sudbury

Resident with history of international travel in quarantine
covid
A Sudburian with a history of international travel possibly has a case of a more highly transmissible strain of COVID-19, said Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD). (File)

A Sudburian with a history of international travel possibly has a case of a more highly transmissible strain of COVID-19, said Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD).

The health unit was notified on Jan. 24 that lab tests by Public Health Ontario revealed a possible case of the new, more highly transmissible strain, referred to as variants of concern. Further testing is underway to confirm results and to identify the variant. Results are expected in the next few days.

“The individual involved is doing well and has a history of international travel, which requires a 14-day quarantine period following return to Canada,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health 

“This has given us time to identify the possible variant and ensure it is not spread. The rate at which these new variants spread is, of course, alarming as we have seen in other areas of the province and parts of the world. We need to do everything in our power to slow to the spread for as long as we can.”

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are reported to local public health units. COVID-19 test samples that meet criteria established by Public Health Ontario Laboratory Services are screened for variants of concern, using a two-part test. An initial test looks for a mutation and if positive, there is a high probability that the mutations are of a variant of concern. The second part of the test is a whole genome sequencing test to determine the exact COVID-19 variant.

COVID-19 variants have been shown to be highly transmittable. The ability to spread more quickly in people makes it more critical than ever to continue to follow public health measures, said the health unit. 

A reminder that a stay-at-home order is in effect requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health-care services, for exercise, or for essential work.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).