Public Health Ontario Laboratory confirms one case of COVID-19 Omicron variant in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – Today, City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services received a Public Health Ontario Laboratory whole genome sequencing result confirming that one Hamilton resident who recently returned from travelling to South Africa tested positive for the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The result for the second case under investigation is in the process of being sequenced and expected in the coming days. As stated on November 29, 2021, Hamilton Public Health Services is conducting case and contact management and the two individuals and their case contacts continue to self-isolate.

As we have since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton Public Health Services follows up directly with all individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts. To protect the privacy of the individuals, Hamilton Public Health Services cannot share additional information about any case of COVID-19.

Hamilton Public Health Services is working with the Province of Ontario and Public Health Ontario to monitor COVID-19 variants of concern including Delta and Omicron and will take strong action if necessary.

To reduce the transmission of the Omicron variant, Hamilton Public Health Services strongly advise individuals who have been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within 14 days before arriving in Hamilton and members of their households to:

• Immediately self-isolate from household contacts even if fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Follow federal guidance, and if contacted, follow any additional guidance provided by Hamilton Public Health Services.
• Get tested for COVID-19 at a Hamilton Assessment Centre regardless of whether the individual has symptoms. Federal guidance at this time is for COVID-19 testing to occur immediately upon arrival to Canada and eight days after arrival.

Based on guidance from Public Health Ontario, all Public Health Units in Ontario are managing confirmed cases of COVID-19 who have travelled internationally within 14 days as a patient under investigation for Omicron.

Hamilton Public Health Services knows that this information may be of concern for some in our community. If an individual has questions or needs help with this guidance, please contact Hamilton Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline at 905-974-9848 or [email protected]. If calling after hours, please leave a voicemail message with contact information and public health staff will return the call the following day during business hours.

“It’s important for the community to remain calm and have confidence that all levels of government will follow the science as it relates to the Omicron variant. The best way you can prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated and keep your guard up by following the well-established public health measures including wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, limiting close contacts and staying home when you’re unwell. Hamilton Public Health Services remains committed to keeping the community updated in the coming days and weeks as we learn more about the Omicron variant.”

–  Dr. Ninh Tran, Associate Medical Officer of Health

Additional Resources

• www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• https://covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]