Ontario confirms first two cases of omicron COVID variant

Latest Videos

The omicron variant has officially found its way to Ontario despite new travel restrictions announced on Friday trying to stop its spread.

Health officials confirmed two cases on Sunday that were detected in individuals in Ottawa who had recently travelled to Canada from Nigeria.

Both individuals are currently in isolation and Ottawa Public Health is conducting case and contact management.

The omicron variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on Nov. 24 but the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on Nov. 9.

At this point it is unclear if the vaccines are effective against the variant.

News of the variant has caused countries around the world to implement new travel restrictions as well as panic in global stock markets.

Lead photo by

A Great Capture

Latest Videos

Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route

Moore Park Ravine is an escape from the city in midtown Toronto

The history of what was once Toronto's grandest mansion

This is how Toronto celebrated Victoria Day over 100 years ago

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years