HURON-PERTH – Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) says the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may be in the region.
On Dec. 10, HPPH issued a press release advising that an individual tested positive for COVID-19, and their case screened positive for S gene target failure, which is a marker for the Omicron variant.
It is important to note that the health unit is still waiting on whole genomic sequencing of the samples, so presence of the Omicron variant is not confirmed. However, the health unit is treating the case as Omicron-positive unless information changes.
HPPH said this case involves community exposures on Saturday, Dec. 4 in two Huron County locations – the Stephen Arena in South Huron and the Hensall Arena. The two arenas hosted the Pink at the Rink tournament.
The health unit is working the tournament’s organizers to identify high-risk contacts. However, HPPH notes there are also possible exposures they will not be able to trace.
HPPH is asking anyone not contacted by the health unit but attended the event on Dec. 4 to do the following immediately:
- monitor for symptoms;
- if you experience any symptoms, no matter how mild (e.g. runny nose), isolate immediately and arrange for testing; and
- continue to isolate until test results are received.
Anyone contacted by HPPH case investigators needs to follow HPPH direction and guidance.
“We are still learning about the Omicron variant, but it’s clear that it spreads easily,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health for Huron Perth.
“HPPH strongly encourages everyone to continue to follow public health guidance, especially by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, and limiting the size of social gatherings.”
