A Barrie, Ont. long-term care home is facing a possible outbreak of a variant strain of the novel coronavirus after laboratory testing identified it in six swabs.
Last Updated Thursday, January 21, 2021 7:22AM EST Preliminary cases of a COVID-19 variant have been discovered at a long-term care home in Barrie that is currently combating an outbreak of the deadly virus. Laboratory testing has identified a variant of the novel coronavirus in six swabs at Roberta Pace, according to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). “The variant strain testing is a two part test, and at this time, the first test indicates a very high probability that they are of a variant strain of concern. The second part of the test is a whole genome sequencing test to determine the exact strain,” reads a statement from SMDHU on Wednesday.
COVID-19 Variant Found at Barrie Long-Term Care Home
Testing continues to confirm exact variant strain
A COVID-19 variant has been detected by health authorities at a Barrie long-term care home which is currently experiencing the virus outbreak. Testing continues to determine the exact variant strain.
Preliminary laboratory testing has identified a COVID-19 variant in six swabs at Roberta Place, a long-term care home in Barrie, Ontario, according to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
“The variant strain testing is a two part test, and at this time, the first test which looks for a particular 501 mutation is positive and indicates a very high probability that they are of a variant strain of concern,” SMDHU said in a news release on Wednesday.
BARRIE, ONT. Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie has confirmed another COVID-19 outbreak. The new outbreak has infected one patient, one staff member and includes one death is in the hospital s Transitional Care Unit. We are monitoring this situation carefully and taking all necessary action to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and physicians, said Janice Skot, RVH president and CEO. A full investigation is underway to conduct contact tracing, and we have implemented our Outbreak Management Protocol, which includes enhanced cleaning, surveillance, education and frequent communication to patients. As a further precaution, all staff who have recently provided care on the unit will be tested.