An Indian strain has reached Canada's capital city
Several cases have already been identified.
The Ottawa Ministry of Health has reported the first cases of infection with variant B.1.617, which was first detected in India. Three cases were reported this week, on 5 May.
Other cases of infection with this strain have already been identified in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.
No deaths from COVID-19 in Ottawa are currently attributed to B.1.617. Dr. Vera Etches, the Ministry of Health's health officer, told reporters that two people infected with the Indian strain are still in Ottawa and one has left for Toronto. All three had recently travelled abroad.
Researchers say the B.1.617 strain has two mutations that help the virus spread easily and avoid an immune response.
The worsening epidemiological situation in India has forced the Canadian government to temporarily bid air links with India and Pakistan.
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