First Ontario case of South African variant of COVID-19 has been reported in Peel

First South African variant case of COVID-19 in Ontario — Mississauga, ON., February 1, 2021  – The Region of Peel – Public Health along with Ontario health officials today confirmed the first case of the B.1.351 variant (South African) in Ontario. The person is an adult male living in Mississauga and has not travelled. He is recovering at home.

“Today I want to confirm that Ontario is going to report its first case of the so called B 1.351 or the South African variant of concern,” Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams said at the province’s daily COVID-19 news conference.

Peel currently has seven confirmed cases of variants of concern (VOC), including six cases of the U.K variant B.1.1.7. However, with the newly announced aggressive testing now underway through Public Health Ontario labs, this number is expected to increase.

While these VOC are aggressive, it is important to remember that they are still COVID-19 – they are not a new disease and the actions we take every day to distance, mask and stay home will help stop the disease. Now is the time for residents, businesses and agencies to double-down on these actions to break chains of transmission and save lives.

Peel Public Health is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and other local health providers to monitor the situation and protect the community.

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Region or Peel’s Medical Officer of Health said the Mississauga case investigation so far indicates the man acquired the infection within the community. Some of the cases of the South African variant in the U.K. have also been through the community with no connection to South African travel or travellers.

“I am extremely concerned about the news of this variant in our community, especially with no history of travel,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Region or Peel’s Medical Officer of Health. “We are starting to see our cases plateau and community spread of this variant may change this suddenly. I urge all residents to continue to strictly follow Public Health guidelines and help break the chains of transmission,” said Dr. Loh.

There is particular concern with this South African variant because it seems to spread more easily and there is evidence that it is more resistant to vaccines according to clinical vaccine trials in South Africa.

So far, Canada has reported six cases of the South African variant in Alberta and four in British Columbia, while 22 countries have reported cases worldwide.

With both the presence of the U.K. and South African variants, B 1.1.7 as well as B 1.351, respectively in our community, Dr. Loh said “that we really need to remain vigilant and continue to practice precautions.”

Quick Facts and Additional Resources

• Peel now has seven confirmed VOC. All are B.1.1.7 except for this case.
• Public Health Ontario provides daily updates on variants across Ontario in their daily summary reports.
• Public Health Ontario also provides summary notes on emerging issues, including VOC.

lead image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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