There is still some work to be done to confirm it, but it appears the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has arrived in London.
The Middlesex London Health Unit announced Monday that it is investigating a cluster of COVID-19 cases, and there is a "strong probability" that the Omicron variant is involved.
According to the health unit, it was advised on Sunday night of two COVID-19 cases that screened positive for S gene target failure (SGTF), which it says is a marker for the Omicron variant.
"These two individuals are amongst a cluster of cases linked to travellers who arrived in London from Nigeria in late November," the health unit said in a news release.
While the health unit says it is important to remember that samples still need to go through Whole Genomic Sequencing, given the travel history of the two cases and the screening results, "the likelihood of an Omicron cluster is very high." Through its contract tracing efforts, the health unit has identified at least 30 cases of COVID-19 that are associated with this cluster of cases, and it believes the number of high risk contacts is expected to exceed 100.
Summers acknowledged at the health unit's media briefing on Monday that the variant's arrival is "upsetting" and "unsettling".
"These investigations are unfolding rapidly," Summers added when asked about the vaccination status of those involved in the cluster. "These travelers were fully vaccinated to our knowledge, it appears there may have been household transmission, that spilled out out of the house, resulting in transmission in the community."
"To our knowledge, none of the cases that have been identified in the Omicron cluster have been hospitalized at this time," Summers said.
The health unit added that cases associated with the cluster have been linked to several schools and child care centres, as well an an outbreak at a Dearness Drive church called, God's Favourite House.
“This situation continues to evolve very quickly, but there is already enough evidence to indicate strongly that the Omicron variant has arrived in our region,” said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers. “While we’re still learning about the variant, it’s clear that it spreads easily. We recommend people continue to follow public health guidance, especially by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, and limiting the size of social gatherings.”
The health unit says it will continue to follow up with high risk contacts.