Hamilton confirms first case of Omicron

Hamilton has confirmed one case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

On Nov. 29, Hamilton public health said it was investigating two suspected cases of the variant in a pair who recently travelled to South Africa and tested positive for COVID-19.

The second case is still under investigation.

Public health says the two individuals and their contacts continue to self-isolate. The city said it can't share more information about the cases due to privacy.

Public health urges anyone who has been in Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within 14 days before arriving in Hamilton and their households to self-isolate, including from their household contacts, regardless of vaccination status.

Individuals should also get COVID tested regardless of symptoms, per federal guidance to get tested immediately on arrival to Canada and eight days after.

All COVID cases in Ontario in people who have travelled internationally within 14 days are being investigated as potential Omicron cases.

Anyone who has questions or needs help with public health guidance can contact the city's COVID-19 hotline at 905-974-9848 or phscovid19@hamilton.ca. After hours, individuals can leave a voice mail with contact information and public health will return the call the next day during business hours.

Maria Iqbal covers aging issues for The Spectator. miqbal@thespec.com