Omicron variant likely detected in cluster of COVID-19 cases in London, Ont.
Posted December 6, 2021 3:26 pm.
Last Updated December 6, 2021 3:29 pm.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) says they are investigating a “cluster” of COVID-19 cases in London, Ont., that they say have a “strong probability” of testing positive for the Omicron variant.
The MLHU released a statement Monday, after two COVID-19 cases tested positive for “S Gene Target Failure (SGTF),” which is a marker for the Omicron variant, on Sunday evening. Both people are among a group of cases that are linked to travellers from Nigeria, who arrived in London last month.
The health unit says they are still waiting for whole genomic sequencing of the samples, but given the travel history of the individuals and screening results, “the likelihood of an Omicron cluster is very high.”
“This situation continues to evolve very quickly, but there is already enough evidence to indicate strongly that the Omicron variant has arrived in our region,” said Dr. Alex Summers, Acting Medical Officer of Health with MLHU in the statement.
There are at least 30 cases of COVID-19 associated with this cluster of possible Omicron cases.
“The number of high-risk close contacts continues to increase and is expected to exceed 100. All positive COVID-19 cases and high-risk contacts associated with this cluster are considered to be persons under investigation (PUI) for Omicron,” the health unit said.
Cases associated with the group have been linked to several schools and childcare centres and those communities will be notified Monday. In addition, this cluster of cases has been linked with an outbreak at God’s Favourite House church in south London.
The health unit says the investigations are ongoing and more cases are likely.
