WASHINGTON (AP) — An individual in California grew to become the primary within the U.S. to have an recognized case of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the White Home introduced Wednesday as scientists proceed to review the dangers posed by the brand new pressure of the virus.
The Biden administration moved late final month to limit journey from Southern Africa the place the variant was first recognized and had been widespread. Clusters of circumstances have additionally been recognized in about two dozen different nations.
“That is the primary case of COVID-19 brought on by the omicron variant detected in america,” Dr. Anthony Fauci stated on the White Home. He stated the particular person was a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and examined constructive on Nov. 29.
READ MORE: What we all know you are able to do to guard your self from omicron
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention is taking steps to tighten U.S. testing guidelines for vacationers from abroad, together with requiring a check for all vacationers inside a day of boarding a flight to the U.S. no matter vaccination standing. It was additionally contemplating mandating post-arrival testing.
Officers stated these measures would solely “purchase time” for the nation to study extra in regards to the new variant and to take applicable precautions, however that given its transmissibility its arrival within the U.S. was inevitable.
A lot stays unknown in regards to the new variant, together with whether or not it’s extra contagious than earlier strains, whether or not it makes folks extra critically ailing, and whether or not it could actually thwart the vaccine. Fauci, the highest U.S. infectious illness knowledgeable, stated extra could be identified in regards to the omicron pressure in two to 4 weeks as scientists develop and check lab samples of the virus.
The announcement of the primary U.S. case comes earlier than President Joe Biden plans to stipulate his technique on Thursday to fight the virus over the winter. Biden has tried to quell alarm over the omicron variant, saying it was a trigger for concern however “not a trigger for panic.”
Biden and public well being officers have grown extra pressing of their pleas for extra Individuals to get vaccinated — and for many who have been vaccinated to get booster pictures to maximise their safety towards the virus.
