Toronto Public Health confirms first three cases of Omicron variant in city
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is now confirming three cases of Omicron variant, a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that has emerged in Toronto and has sickened three individuals.
The individuals are being treated in the General Hospital in Toronto and two cases are now being investigated as potential hospital-acquired cases and are being closely monitored.
Health officials in Toronto are also closely monitoring cases at Sunnybrook and the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Public health officials stressed that while these three cases are being evaluated as hospital acquired cases, they are not believed to represent the total number of cases that have occurred in Toronto.
A fourth case is being investigated as a possible community acquired case and is under investigation at Sunnybrook.
“We are encouraging people to continue to take everyday precautions,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, the director of Toronto Public Health. “However, we continue to urge people to avoid touching their face and eyes and using tissues or handkerchiefs in public situations.”
As the three cases identified by Toronto Public Health in the last couple of days, there have been three other patients in Toronto who have tested positive for Omicron variant since Thursday, March 17 for a total of six cases reported to Toronto Public Health to date.
Dr. de Villa, said the city has been providing daily updates on the numbers of cases, both community acquired and hospital acquired, and as the virus continues to spread in the city, the city is working to keep people safe.
“We want people to know that this virus and this disease is present in Toronto and we are working diligently to protect the health and wellbeing of all our residents,” said Dr. de Villa.
“We are encouraging residents to continue to practice good personal and environmental hygiene and not expose others to the virus. As this virus spreads in
