Canada Has Detected Its First Case Of The South African COVID-19 Variant

The COVID-19 South African variant has officially made its way to Canada and Alberta is reporting the first case of it.

The province's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced on January 8 that it has been detected there.

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The individual is in quarantine & there's no evidence at this time that the virus has spread to others. Dr. Deena Hinshaw

She said that the case involves someone who had recently travelled.

That person is in quarantine and there is currently no evidence that the virus variant has spread to others in the province.

Dr. Hinshaw said that she knows new cases are "concerning" but health officials "are actively monitoring for these variants."

Earlier in the day when the variant case was reported, Dr. Theresa Tam gave an update about the COVID-19 numbers in Canada.

At that time, she said there were 14 cases of the U.K. variant but didn't mention any for the South African one.

When it comes to COVID-19 vaccines, Canada will be putting out weekly reports with information about any reactions people have after getting a dose.