First case of COVID-19 Omicron variant identified in B.C. - Times Colonist

The first case of the newest COVID-19 variant of concern, Omicron, has been detected in B.C., in a patient in the Fraser Health Authority who recently returned from Nigeria.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said 900 to 1,000 people had travelled to Canada from southern Africa in the past few days.

Henry said 99.6 per cent of cases in B.C.

remain the Delta strains AY 25 and AY 27, with a smattering of AY 4.2 — dubbed the Delta variant plus.

Whether Omicron will out- compete Delta in this province is unknown at this point, she said.

COVID vaccines remain the best defence along with other measures, including wearing masks indoors, she said.

The arrival of the new variant amid flu and holiday season is a reminder to be cautious in the next few weeks, and continue to wear masks in indoor crowded spaces, practise physical distancing, keep gatherings small and include only vaccinated individuals, Henry said.