While a new strain of COVID-19 has been recently discovered in the United Kingdom, Dr. Robert Strang said it is not in Canada.
“That’s troubling news, but we know there are many strains of coronavirus,” said Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “So, a new one is not actually unexpected.
“Here’s the good news: there’s no evidence that this new strain is here in Canada, although our labs, including the one here in Nova Scotia, are working together to monitor for this new strain. So far, there is also no evidence that this new strain will have an impact on the ability to test, treat or vaccinate people against COVID-19.”
As of Dec. 21 at 12:01 a.m. and for the next 72 hours, the federal government has prohibited all flights — except cargo flights or those where passengers do not disembark — from the United Kingdom from entering Canada.
At midnight tonight, and for the next 72 hours, all flights from the UK will be prohibited from entering Canada. Passengers who arrived today are subject to secondary screening and enhanced measures. More on the actions we’re taking to protect you: https://t.co/UrsE5sTcJT
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 21, 2020
Moreover, CTV News reported that the British government said the new strain has been circulating since September but that there was only enough evidence as of last week to declare it as more transmissible.
Today, Nova Scotia reported two new cases of COVID-19 — one in the Central Zone and one in the Western Zone. Nova Scotia reported a total of 38 active cases.
