APH reports first variants of concern in the Sault, Elliot Lake

Algoma Public Health has revealed that three cases of COVID-19 previously reported in the area tested positive for variants of concern (VOCs).

This is the first time VOCs have been confirmed by the local health unit.

The health unit says two of the VOCs were from the Sault and area and the other was from Elliot Lake and area.

VOCs are viruses that have changed or mutated, with a public health significance that affects one or more of the following: transmissibility, virulence (severity of disease), vaccine effectiveness, and diagnostic testing.

VOCs identified globally and in Ontario include:

• B.1.1.7 variant first identified in the UK
• B1351 variant first identified in South Africa
• P1 variant first identified in Brazil

Identification of the specific strains reported locally has not yet been confirmed by APH.

The full release from Algoma Public Health reads as follows:

Algoma Public Health received laboratory screening results today that showed evidence of variants of concern (VOCs) in three recent cases of COVID-19 in Algoma residents.

This means that COVID-19 variants of concern are circulating in Algoma. Of the three specimens that screened positive for VOCs, two specimens were from Sault Ste. Marie and area, and one specimen was from Elliot Lake and area.

Identification of the specific strains is not available at this time, pending additional laboratory information.

Variants of concern (VOCs) are new strains of the COVID-19 virus that have changed or mutated. VOCs can spread much more easily, and some can also cause more severe disease. At this time, about 60 per cent of COVID-19 cases in Ontario are positive for mutations or VOCs.

All public health measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission continue to apply to the new variants, and they must be applied very rigorously, due to the higher risk of transmission.

As we approach the Easter holiday and spring break, and with the ongoing aggressive spread of COVID-19 and VOCs across the province and in northern Ontario, we ask all Algoma residents to be extra vigilant, and to do your part to stop the surge.