Seven cases of COVID-19 UK variant detected in York Region

Seven more cases of the COVID-19 UK variant have been detected in York Region, the public health unit confirmed.

Four individuals are in the Township of King, two are in the Town of Georgina and one is from the City of Richmond Hill.

According to York Region Public Health, they were notified of the first case on January 2 by Public Health Ontario—the case had recently travelled to the UK and tested positive on December 22.

The four cases in the Township of King include the initial case who had travelled to the UK and three family members the individual had dinner with.

At this time the three individuals from Georgina and Richmond Hill have been confirmed with no connection to travel.

“This serves as an important reminder all individuals arriving from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days as part of the federal Quarantine Act even if you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19,” Patrick Casey, Director of Corporate Communications, said in a statement.

“York Region Public Health reminds residents about the importance of providing all history of contacts and contact information if you test positive for COVID-19; this is crucial to the prevention and control of this infection.”

The public health unit asked if anyone has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, regardless of which strain the virus it is, it is essential they stay home and self-isolate for 14 days.

There is a total of 14 cases in the province.