OTTAWA -- Two Ottawa residents who recently travelled to Nigeria have tested positive for the newly discovered Omicron variant of COVID-19, the first cases of the variant in Canada.

The Ontario government announced the two cases of the variant were confirmed in the capital on Sunday, saying the cases are in individuals who had recently travelled from Nigeria to Ottawa. No other details were released.

The two people are self-isolating.

"In the coming days, we may see an increase in the number of people testing positive because of transmission of the Omicron variant in Ottawa," said medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches, in a statement Sunday evening.

"It is important to remember that this is not a new virus and that the public health measures that we practise will help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve. Book a COVID-19 test immediately."

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