Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health. (Government of Alberta)

By Chris Brown / CHAT News Today

"doesn’t change our current risk", says Hinshaw

First case of Omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in Alberta

Nov 30, 2021 | 3:10 PM

Alberta has confirmed its first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The case was confirmed in an individual returning from Nigeria and the Netherlands.

“The individual tested positive while asymptomatic and I can confirm that this individual has not left quarantine since their arrival from international travel,” said chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw on Tuesday. “We have notified the individual and their household, and all necessary measures are in place to prevent transmission.”

Hinshaw encouraged all Albertans to show empathy to the individual and members of their household, noting they have done nothing wrong.

She also asked Albertans not to be alarmed, saying the eventual arrival of the variant in the province was anticipated based on what was seen with previous strains.

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“We are well-prepared for this eventuality and have the necessary tools in place to monitor this case and any potential spread of the variant,” she said. “Our goal is to delay the spread of Omicron as we learn more about it.”

Hinshaw detailed the federal requirements regarding the travel ban on southern Africa.

The province’s top doctor indicated confirming Omicron is in Alberta won’t lead to greater public health restrictions.

“The single case we have really doesn’t change our current risk. Again, we know that the vast, vast majority of all our cases in Alberta continue to be the Delta variant,” she said, noting the current measures in place and growing immunization numbers have been effective at slowing spread.

While health officials around the world are still gathering information on the Omicron variant, Hinshaw said they do know it has a large number of mutations.

“We know there are a large number of mutations present on the spike protein, which is the protein that is typically the target of neutralizing antibodies that are generated both after an infection and after someone receives the vaccine,” she said.

She said in places the variant has been identified in the highest numbers, “so far the cases have been mostly mild and although they’ve also been identified mostly in younger people.”

She added that makes it difficult to determine whether there is any difference in outcomes with this variant.

She also said there seems to potentially be a bit of a higher risk of re-infection.

“We don’t know yet whether or not vaccine effectiveness will be impacted by this variant, it’s too early to tell,” Hinshaw said, adding that with previous variants, vaccines have consistently provided very strong protection against severe outcomes.

“Having a full vaccines series is still the best choice, even when it comes to this new variant even as we continue to learn more about it.”

David Shepherd, NDP Critic for Health, made the following statement in response to the announcement:

“Earlier this afternoon we learned that the first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Alberta.

“This would be concerning news at any time but it’s especially worrying coming in the weeks before the holiday season. Families are making plans to travel and to gather. Businesses are making plans to bring in seasonal staff and inventory. This news puts all of these plans into some doubt.

“I’m glad to hear that we only have a single case and that this case is in quarantine but, as Dr. Hinshaw says, it’s inevitable that additional cases will arrive here. It is deeply unfortunate that Alberta families and businesses are facing this new threat with a government that they have no trust in.

“Yesterday Alberta’s NDP Opposition proposed two measures that would help Alberta mount an effective response. First, Alberta needs an independent science table. Critical decisions will have to be made and they must be underpinned by high levels of public trust. Jason Kenney does not have that trust.

“If the UCP is going to ask the people of Alberta to change their behaviour or make sacrifices yet again, we need complete transparency. We need to see the modelling. We need to see the advice. We need to see the recommendations.

“Secondly, we need a risk index. That is simply a description of conditions that would trigger changes in public health measures. This is a critical planning resource for families, for schools, and for small businesses.

“Lastly, there are several other steps that the UCP has failed to take to protect Albertans. We need in-school vaccination programs to ensure as many kids as possible can be vaccinated as quickly as possible. We need fully staffed-up contact tracing for schools and daycares. And we need paid sick leave so that workers can stay home when they are ill.

“I know all Albertans are hoping that Omicron does not cause the same level of disruption as previous variants. I certainly hope so too.

“But the provincial government cannot simply hope for the best. They must act.”

(With files from rdnewsNOW)