U.K. COVID-19 variant arrives in Haldimand-Norfolk

Public healthofficials from Haldimand and Norfolk counties saythe COVID-19 variant from the United Kingdom(U.K.) has been identified in the region.

The details around how it was identified are still unclear, but it prompted an immediate warning from the public health unit.

"The appearance of this more easily-transmittable variant of COVID-19 in Haldimand-Norfolk underscores the importance of continuing to follow public health guidance," Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, medical officer of health, said in a release.

"Continue to keep your distance from others, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and avoid having close contact with those you don't live with."

The public health unit says the U.K. variant is more contagious than the regular strain, but signs show the vaccines in Ontario are effective against it.

It sayspublic health and workplace safety measures as well as a province-wide stay-at-home order are anticipated to be in place until at least Feb. 9.

Haldimand and Norfolk Countiesreportedthree new COVID-19 cases on Friday.

There have been 1,309throughout the pandemic. Of those, 58are active.

The local public health unit has linked the virus to 38 deaths.