Variants of concern found in the area

All COVID-19 tests that come back positive are screened for variants of concern. This
morning, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) was informed that two COVID-19 cases in
our region have come back positive for the UK variant.

The two cases are unrelated to one another. One case is in the Fort Frances area and
had recently returned to the area from a higher-risk region. Case and contact follow-up
has taken place and all close contacts are in isolation. At this time, NWHU is awaiting
test results from close contacts to determine the likelihood of further spread.

The other case is a previously positive case, linked to our area’s first reported variant of
concern in the Dryden area. No further spread from this case was seen, and the case is
now considered resolved.

“This emphasizes the need for individuals and their household members to self-isolate
immediately when someone has a symptom of COVID-19. Variants of concern can
spread incredibly fast,” says Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU.
“By only getting within 2 metres of people you live with, you are able to reduce the
chance of spreading COVID-19 to others” continues Dr. Young Hoon.

NWHU urges the public to take prevention measures seriously, especially with variants
of concern in the region. The health unit will keep the public informed as they learn more
about the potential spread of the variants.

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Media Contact:
Dr. Kit Young Hoon
Medical Officer of Health
Northwestern Health Unit
jbegg@nwhu.on.ca