Coronavirus: Canada hasn’t identified the UK COVID-19 strain yet, officials say | FULL

The new variant of coronavirus running rampant in the United Kingdom has not yet been identified in Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam said Tuesday. “To date, Canada has not identified the new variant of the coronavirus under investigation in the United Kingdom,” she said, adding that “we’re still looking.”

Tam said in all probability, the new strain will likely eventually make its way to Canada, however there are several variables that are helping slow it down.

“It wouldn’t surprise me that this variant is in many different countries," she said, adding that by preparing in advance, they would be able to detect it should it appear in Canada.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Canada is “one of the few countries in the world that restricts all non-essential travel.” There is also a 14-day quarantine for all travellers entering the country that has been in place since March.

Specifically with regard to Britain, Blair said Canada has closed its borders to all flights coming from the U.K. Enhanced screening has been put in place at all Canadian airports and at all points of entry for travellers who may be arriving from the United Kingdom indirectly. In the event someone has entered Canada indirectly, Blair said they are referred to the Public Health Agency of Canada at both land and air ports of entry.

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