Omicron Variant : Why We Might Not Want to Panic Just Yet

November 29, 2021 Marsha Mowers

“I want to re-assure Ontarians that we are prepared and ready to respond to this, and any other new variant.”

Strong words from Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health Kieran Moore Monday morning at a press conference held in response to the discovery of two cases of the omicron variant in Ottawa over the weekend.

“I know that this news of this variant feels concerning, but vaccinations, in combination with public health and individual protective measures has been working to reduce the spread of COVID 19 and its variants in communities, so please keep this up.”

The messaging was what some are calling a stark contrast from the earlier pandemic messaging which largely focused on protecting communities from the unknown. Today’s press conference positioned the provincial government as more confident in both their own response and the vaccine rollout to fight COVID and its variants.

Moore announced increased PCR funding and availability to travellers from certain South African regions where the variant has been reported in the last few weeks.  Those who have travelled, live with or have come into contact with a traveller and are asymptomatic are able to get a free PCR test.

“Achieving the highest vaccination rate possible remains the key to reducing COVID transmission and significant COVID surges,” Moore said and encouraged double vaccinated to get a booster shot.

“We will continue to monitor for and learn about this new variant and will act quickly in partnership with our federal colleagues if necessary.”

The very protocols that have been in place in the travel industry since the beginning of the pandemic might very well be the ones that will continue to keep travellers safe.  When asked about the variants and case counts and whether lockdowns in general are warranted, Moore was cautiously optimistic.

He says they are working with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to monitor prospective cases and respond accordingly, confident in the local capacity of health units to manage effectively.  If they see more widespread cases then limiting arrivals to one or two main Canadian airports might be an option, just so they can concentrate tracking efforts easier.

“I think we’re learning from the epidemiology; this virus has been present on the globe for many weeks if not months. It may be more prudent to broaden the testing for all travellers to ensure they have a take home PCR test. We are working with our federal partners on an enhanced testing strategy for travellers.  That’s one suggestion we have for them, to expand the testing beyond the current countries.”

You can watch the full press conference here.

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