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
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.