The Omicron variant was detected in a number of wastewater methods within the Denver Metro space, well being leaders stated Thursday.
DENVER — Colorado now has 5 instances of the Omicron variant within the state and it has been detected in a number of wastewater methods within the Denver Metro space, based on state well being leaders.
“At this level, simply one among our 5 instances is a case that seems that it was acquired right here in Colorado,” stated Dr. Rachel Herlihy with the Colorado Division of Well being and Atmosphere (CDPHE). “In touch tracing, there seems to be a linkage to somebody who traveled out of state.”
It has been detected in methods within the Boulder space, Aurora, Commerce Metropolis, and a system that is shared between Lakewood and Denver, based on Herlihy. She stated they’re watching carefully to see in the event that they’re discovering “imported” transmission of the variant or extra native, neighborhood unfold.
It is too quickly although to say whether or not this new variant, which is alleged to be extra simply transmissible, might overtake the Delta variant because the dominant pressure of the virus.
“It does appear like Omicron does have the power to probably change or cocirculate with Delta however I believe there’s nonetheless quite a bit to attempt to perceive what the long-term traits are going to be,” Herlihy stated.
She stated they anticipate Omicron instances to proceed to extend in our state and throughout the U.S., nevertheless it’s not but recognized how speedy that improve could be.
Presently, traits within the state associated to COVID-19 are transferring downward, based on Herlihy, with the positivity charge at 6.1% which is far nearer to the aim to be at or beneath 5%. Hospitalizations are additionally trending down however nonetheless stay excessive when in comparison with the U.S. as a complete, the information reveals.
The state will make new information out there on its web site starting Thursday about vaccinations in Colorado. The info will observe vaccine and booster charges damaged down by age teams.
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CDPHE additionally urged everybody to make use of warning when gathering for the upcoming vacation and recommended that gatherings are deliberate solely with those that are absolutely vaccinated or who’ve examined adverse throughout the final 72 hours.
Different ideas included:
- Staying house if experiencing any signs of COVID-19.
- Host smaller, shorter or out of doors gatherings.
- Preserve an inventory of friends and their contact info to inform those that attended within the occasion somebody does check optimistic.
- Enhance air flow for indoor occasions by opening home windows, if attainable.
CDPHE additionally famous Thursday that their web site, together with covid19.colorado.gov, will likely be unavailable on account of upkeep between 9 p.m. on Dec. 17 by 11 p.m. on Dec. 18. That won’t affect e mail communications, vaccine appointment instruments.
Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Mayor Mike Coffman (R-Aurora) urged residents to get vaccinated whereas talking on the Aurora Municipal Heart vaccination web site earlier on Thursday.
Polis stated that solely 176 of the 1,227 COVID-19 sufferers presently hospitalized within the state are vaccinated, which is about 14%.
He additionally stated preliminary information point out three doses are wanted to have a excessive degree of safety towards the omicron variant.
Total, Coloradans who’ve acquired a booster dose are 47 instances much less prone to be hospitalized than unvaccinated residents, based on Polis.
About 81% of Coloradans have acquired at the least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and Polis stated Colorado is among the many high 10 states with about 26% of youngsters ages 5 to 11 who’ve acquired at the least one dose.
“We now face a brand new risk with the omicron variant,” Polis stated. “We’ve got 5 instances of omicron confirmed, nevertheless it’s solely a matter of time till it turns into the prevalent variant right here in Colorado, because it has in each different place it has been.”
He additionally stated the state believes it has confirmed the primary case of neighborhood unfold involving the omicron variant.
There are presently 9 bigger neighborhood vaccination websites throughout the state. Appointments might be made however aren’t required. Extra info might be discovered on the state’s web site.
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Precisely one yr after the primary Coloradans acquired COVID-19 vaccinations, the Colorado Division of Public Well being and Atmosphere (CDPHE) reported the state surpassed 10,000 deaths on account of COVID-19 on Tuesday.
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