Hamilton case of U.K. variant of COVID-19 related to travel: Dr. Richardson

The City of Hamilton has identified its first confirmed case of a contagious variant of COVID-19.

The variant, which was first identified in the U.K., appears to be able to spread faster and more easily.

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health, tells CHCH News the case is related to travel.

(1) NEW: Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health says the person with the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 U.K variant in the city has travel history. @CHCHNews

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) February 18, 2021

“That’s not to say it’s not here in a broader way. There is community spread happening in Ontario,” Richardson said.

“We shouldn’t take comfort that this case was related in some way to travel.”

This case is one of 338 cases of the U.K. variant confirmed in the province.

The city says people should continue to practice public health measures including wearing a mask, limiting gatherings, maintaining physical distancing and staying home if feeling unwell.

This confirmed case comes a day after Hamilton moved into red level COVID-19 restrictions.