The first confirmed case of the Omicron variant in York Region is in a child under the age of 12, who’d recently been to southern Africa with a family member.

”That person has two household members who have also tested positive for COVID but the screen (test) is not yet available for Omicron,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barry Pakes.

”So, you know, it looks like we probably have one confirmed and probably three in total cases of Omicron in York Region right now.”

All three are self-isolating at home.

The child has not been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The vaccine status of the other two is not known.

Dr. Pakes does not find the news surprising.

”We’ve seen quite a few cases in Ontario and Canada and throughout the world, and they are travel-related.  There’s no evidence of nay transmission within York Region.”

It’s the 7th confirmed case of the Omicron variant in the province.