Manitobans are being reminded that they can expect to hear cases of COVID variants entering the province.

Manitoba's Chief Public Health Officer says he learnt last night that one person who travelled internationally had tested positive for the U.K COVID-19 variant, also known as B117.

"This is not unexpected. We see this variant in our country and internationally. We have set up our protocols for this type of scenario," Dr. Brent Roussin says. 

On Monday, the doctor says they have seen variants of the COVID-19 virus, but says the arrival of the U.K variant was not alerted to its confirmed arrival until 9 p.m. Monday night.

The positive-testing person isolated at home and did not spread it to the five other household members. The person's test results were received by the province on January 2 and then sent to the national lab. 

Roussin says the province expected to see varients, such as this one, arrive in the province and is anticipating more to arrive in the future. A tactic being used to avoid the spread is those travelling for non-essential purposes must self-isolate for two weeks. Travellers are recommended to get tested upon their arrival. 

"We are still ok to continue with our reopening plans, but it is also a reminder that we are not out of the woods; that we need to be cautious."

He is asking Manitobans to continue to stick to the fundamentals including physical distancing and practicing hand hygiene. If displaying any symptoms, Manitobans must stay home and self-isolate.