Saskatchewan’s prime physician says the general public well being company has notified 40 individuals within the province to check and isolate after not too long ago travelling from a number of nations within the southern African area because the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first detected in South Africa.
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Saskatchewan well being consultants weigh in on potential influence of Omicron variant on vacation season
Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical well being officer, says the individuals returned to the province inside the final 14 days from nations that embrace South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia.
“These 40 people are within the technique of being contacted,” stated Dr. Shahab. “Just below half already submitted assessments and we’re ready on check outcomes. We anticipate most, if not, all to be adverse.”
Saskatchewan well being officers supplied an replace of the Omicron variant B.1.1.529 within the province and the way preparations are being taken. Dr. Shahab says they’ve been in discussions with the federal authorities every day since Friday. He stated he’s assured that Saskatchewan’s well being officers will be capable of detect any COVID-19 variants of concern, together with Omicron.
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Omicron: How does it examine with different COVID-19 variants of concern?
Dr. Shahab says the 40 worldwide vacationers are required, below the Quarantine Act, to be in quarantine and isolate at residence for 14 days.
“They’ve additionally been directed to offer a check on arrival,” he stated. “Many have already accomplished … and no optimistic assessments have been detected to this point.”
He provides that, ought to there be a optimistic check, the province is ready to do genome sequencing to find out if the Delta or Omicron variant is concerned. Shahab cautions the state of affairs can quickly evolve.
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