First case of Omicron variant confirmed in Alberta, patient remains in quarantine
The Alberta government has announced the province's first confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as the federal government implements new testing rules for travellers returning to Canada.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw disclosed Alberta's first Omicron case during Tuesday afternoon's COVID-19 update.
"This case has been confirmed in a returning traveller from Nigeria and the Netherlands," said Hinshaw. "The individual tested positive while asymptomatic and I can confirm the individual has not left quarantine since their arrival from international travel."
According to Hinshaw, the infected individual has not left quarantine and both they and their family have been informed of the positive test.
"At this time, this is the only confirmed case of Omicron in the province."
On Monday the province confirmed 156 Albertans were in quarantine after returning from travel in a country in southern Africa due to concerns regarding the potential spread of the altered Omicron variant.
"While it is important that we all continue to remain vigilant in the face of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and others, we don't want Albertans to be alarmed," said Hinshaw.
"As I mentioned yesterday, we anticipated the arrival of this variant in the province eventually based on what we have seen with other strains of COVID-19. 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."
With cases of the Omicron variant confirmed in more provinces, the federal government is imposing new testing rules for people arriving in the country from all nations, except the US.
“All air travelers coming from outside Canada, apart from the United States, will now need to be tested at the airport in which they are landing in Canada -- whether they are vaccinated or unvaccinated," said federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
"They will then need to isolate themselves until they get the result of their test,” he announced. The minister said Canada is exploring whether to eventually include travellers returning from the US to its new testing rules.
Canada is also expanding the list of countries facing a federal travel ban.
All foreign nationals who have visited Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt at any time in the last 14 days will be denied entry into Canada, the government announced Tuesday afternoon.
The three nations join South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini as countries already subject to Canadian travel restrictions due to concerns over the Omicron variant.
As of Tuesday, there have also been confirmed Omicron cases in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.
With files from CTV Calgary's Jordan Kanygin
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.