By Chris Brown

'really doesn't change our current risk'

First case of Omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in Alberta

Nov 30, 2021 | 2:14 PM

Alberta has confirmed its first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The case was confirmed in an individual returning from Nigeria and the Netherlands.

“The individual tested positive while asymptomatic and I can confirm that this individual has not left quarantine since their arrival from international travel,” said chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw on Tuesday. “We have notified the individual and their household, and all necessary measures are in place to prevent transmission.”

Hinshaw encouraged all Albertans to show empathy to the individual and members of their household, noting they have done nothing wrong.

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She also asked Albertans not to be alarmed, saying the eventual arrival of the variant in the province was anticipated based on what was seen with previous strains.

“We are well-prepared for this eventuality and have the necessary tools in place to monitor this case and any potential spread of the variant,” she said. “Our goal is to delay the spread of Omicron as we learn more about it.”

READ MORE: Recovered COVID-19 cases continue to rise in city and province

Hinshaw detailed the federal requirements regarding the travel ban on southern Africa.

The province’s top doctor indicated confirming Omicron is in Alberta won’t lead to greater public health restrictions.

“The single case we have really doesn’t change our current risk. Again, we know that the vast, vast majority of all our cases in Alberta continue to be the Delta variant,” she said, noting the current measures in place and growing immunization numbers have been effective at slowing spread.

While health officials around the world are still gathering information on the Omicron variant, Hinshaw said they do know it has a large number of mutations.

“We know there are a large number of mutations present on the spike protein, which is the protein that is typically the target of neutralizing antibodies that are generated both after an infection and after someone receives the vaccine,” she said.

She said in places the variant has been identified in the highest numbers, “so far the cases have been mostly mild and although they’ve also been identified mostly in younger people.”

Hinsahw added that makes it difficult to determine whether there is any difference in outcomes with this variant.

She also said there seems to potentially be a bit of a higher risk of re-infection.

“We don’t know yet whether or not vaccine effectiveness will be impacted by this variant, it’s too early to tell,” Hinshaw said, adding that with previous variants, vaccines have consistently provided very strong protection against severe outcomes.

“Having a full vaccines series is still the best choice, even when it comes to this new variant even as we continue to learn more about it.”