The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant (Omicron) was classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on November 26, 2021 and first detected in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) region on December 3, 2021. As it rapidly spreads worldwide, the KFL&A region has had record-setting COVID-19 case numbers, with 1574 active cases as of December 21, 2021 – a higher case rate than any other region in Canada.

Of all confirmed or suspect Omicron cases, 59% were 18-24 years old and 27% were 25-39 years old, corresponding with the main outbreak environments being in post-secondary education (N=64) and food & beverage settings (N=106). There have been no hospitalizations, and initial modelling estimates have placed the Re for Omicron in KFL&A at 1.5.

The most common symptoms reported were nasal congestion (73%), cough (65%), headaches (54%), sore throat (48%), chills (34%), and fever (32%), while 9.6% of cases were asymptomatic. Of note, only 10% reported shortness of breath.

Outside of 45 individuals not yet old enough to be double-vaccinated, 31 cases were unvaccinated, 19 cases were partially vaccinated, and 64 cases had unknown vaccination status. The remainder of cases were at least double-vaccinated. There have been 12 confirmed re-infections with Omicron; all were symptomatic and double-vaccinated.

Given the rapid propagation of the Omicron variant as well as the incidence of immune escape in double-vaccinated individuals, public official and citizens must continue to remain cautious and vigilant and ensure a collaborative approach to mitigating community spread.

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