The Northwestern Health Unit says it’s not known where or how the most recent B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19, identified in the Dryden area, was contracted.
The health unit and Keewatin Patricia District School Board confirms a high school student tested positive for the variant earlier this week.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says they continue to investigate.
“Through the investigation of this particular case, we have not been able to identify out of region travel, which is concerning and suggests they may have acquired this variant in the community,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
Dr. Young Hoon adds variants of concern can spread quickly, spread easily and increase the likelihood of death.
“If that does happen and there is significant spread, particularly of the variants, then that could lead us moving into a higher restrictive public health measure, such as the Grey-Lockdown zone,” stresses Dr. Young Hoon.
The health unit says it is waiting on more test results to come in but expects to see variant cases in the coming days.
Dr. Young Hoon says they have ruled out the case having any connection to an outbreak at the Walmart store in the community.
