Although there are unknowns about the latest COVID-19 variant, the concern remains among local leaders.

Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro, as part of a year-end interview with Acadia News, confirmed that there have been several discussions between him and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille.

“You know I can’t speak with definition on this, but it certainly does seem that the rates of transmissibility are much more significant with this new variant than it was with the original virus and it’s variants,” said Mauro.

As of December 11th, data from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit indicates that there have five confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The first case was identified on December 6th.

Mauro feels the warmer weather and vigilance might help in the fight against the Omicron variant.

“Cold weather brings us inside, and we know things are transmitted more easily that way,” added Mauro. “I’m hopeful that people will be mindful of the public health guidelines, and that with the schools being out for the holiday season, maybe that will slow the rates of transmission.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been 350 confirmed cases of a variant in the Thunder Bay District.