Toronto Public Health confirms first three cases of Omicron variant in city’s water
Toronto Public Health confirms first three cases of Omicron variant in city’s water
In the first three cases of Omicron variant in Toronto’s water, residents at a local building were told the water might be contaminated with a new virus.
The water in the building, which has a private drinking water system that uses treated water, was tested and found to be fine.
Public Health officials say they are taking quick and effective steps at City Hall, such as cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces, to ensure that water is not contaminated.
The health authority says the virus was detected by a lab, and is following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended protocol of identifying viruses based on tests of samples.
Toronto Water has also taken immediate action to contact customers and work with health institutions to alert them of potential cases.
“While it is extremely concerning to see people sickened in Toronto and potentially other jurisdictions, we are taking such matters very seriously,” said Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Medical Officer of Health.