Highly contagious 'Delta' variant of COVID-19 confirmed in Timmins area, health unit says
The Porcupine Health Unit announced Friday afternoon that the 'Delta' variant -- a much more transmissible form of the COVID-19 virus-and first reported in India -- is now confirmed in the region.
The area has been hard hit in the last month by the pandemic, and despite efforts to get residents vaccinated, daily case numbers are alarming. Another 57 cases were reported on Friday alone, one of the highest numbers in Ontario.
“So this is a very unfortunate turn of events," said Dr. Lianne Catton, medical officer of health for the Porcupine Health Unit.
"Although we’ve seen this variant increasing across the province and more predominantly in southern Ontario, this is the first signal of seeing this highly contagious variant here and it’s very concerning."
Kate Fyfe, Timmins and District Hospital's chief executive officer, said the first patient with the new variant has been admitted to the hospital.
"However, it is not surprising," Fyfe said, adding that "the situation in our district is not the fault of one person or group of people."
She and others ask people to be mindful of their actions, now "more than ever."
Catton said while the province is slowly reopening, as far as Timmins goes, "It would be better if we didn’t.”
“It’s a simple message," said Timmins Mayor George Pirie. "We know the situation is serious and again, my condolences to the family and their loved ones for the individual who suffered a fatality associated with COVID-19 in this last week."
As of Friday morning, the hospital had 11 patients with COVID-19, including two in the ICU. Plus more than 40 people have been admitted and are awaiting COVID test results.
The health unit said the vaccination rate for its area is at 68 per cent, but it needs to go higher and second doses will be offered to those aged 70 and older.
Pirie will hold a media call on Monday to provide an update to the community.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.