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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Omicron and S‐gene target failure cases in the highest COVID‐19 case rate region in Canada—December 2021