Toronto Public Health confirms first three cases of Omicron variant in city’s homeless population: report
LATE-FEB – Late-Friday, the city of Toronto Public Health confirmed the first three cases of Omicron variant in homeless individuals in the city’s downtown. The public health agency says the outbreak is the first in North America to be attributed to Omicron variant.
The first two individuals, both homeless, contracted the virus through contact with infected individuals.
According to a statement from the City of Toronto, health officials started to receive a tip about a homeless individual who was complaining of sore throat and a cough after his return from an overnight stay in a shelter.
“The patient reported sore throat and cough and after a self-assessment, it was determined the patient had Omicron Variant,” said Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Chief Medical Officer of City of Toronto Public Health. “This is the first reported case to date to be confirmed by Public Health.”
The health agency advises that anyone who has been in contact with the individual, or who has any of the following symptoms, should consult their health provider:
In addition, Toronto Public Health reminds all those who have not been in contact with the individual:
Stay away from the individual.
If you are in close contact with the individual, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Washing your hands with soap and running water can help to prevent the spread of germs.
Washing your hands with soap and running water can help to prevent the spread of germs.
For those who are at risk, they should consider:
Washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after exposure to sick or
disease-carrying persons
Washing their hands often with soap and running water before eating or preparing food.
The City of Toronto Public Health has taken additional precautions to protect against the spread of the virus