The National Microbiology Laboratory has confirmed the coronavirus variant first detected in the U.K. was not found in some samples from Pimicikimak, the chief confirmed on Wednesday. On Monday, Chief David Monias told CBC News there was a possible case of the B117 variant in the community. In addition to DNA markers similar to the B117 variant, Monias says the alarming spread of the virus in the community had him worried about a virus variant of concern. To date, there is only one confirmed case of a variant of concern in Manitoba. Pauingassi First Nation also reported seven probable cases of the B117 variant of concern on Saturday, but by Tuesday five of the seven had tested negative.

Source: CBC News February 18, 2021 00:22 UTC