WDGPH confirms first case of COVID-19 Omicron variant in Guelph

GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health officials have confirmed the region’s first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The positive case, discovered on Dec. 9, is a Guelph male aged 12 to 20 who was double-vaccinated.

Officials say he is experiencing mild symptoms.

“This is a reminder that we must remain vigilant,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, WDGPH medical officer of health.

“I know it has been a long pandemic, but we must continue to act in ways that protect ourselves, those we love and our communities from this virus.”

Public health officials, who are investigating the case, say there may be “several potential related cases” and they are contacting high-risk exposures.

Asked if the boy had travelled recently, WDGPH spokesperson Danny Williamson said “the source of transmission is still under investigation.”

Mercer said region residents should act with caution.

“We know that the combined protection of the public health measures available to us – masking, physical distancing, limiting gathering sizes and getting first, second and booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine – will continue to protect us against the virus.”

For more information on COVID-19 cases in the region visit wdgpublichealth.ca/coronavirus.

Editor