B.C. confirms first case of Omicron variant

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant of concern in B.C. Henry said the case was found in Fraser Health from someone who had recently returned from Nigeria. The person was among 204 people who had been identified as having recently returned from the southern part of Africa. Henry said all these people were in self isolation. She said the Omicron variant was likely not widespread in the province. Henry added that while it’s not confirmed yet whether the Omicron variant — which surfaced globally last week — is more contagious or dangerous, all COVID-19 layers of protection should be used, particularly masks.