The brand new COVID-19 variant was first confirmed within the U.S. on Dec. 1. Since then, it has been recognized in a number of states.
Scientists world wide are working to study extra in regards to the omicron variant of COVID-19. The variant, already discovered in additional than 20 international locations, was first confirmed within the U.S. on Dec. 1. Since then, well being officers in a number of states have confirmed their very own instances of the variant.
What do we all know up to now?
Omicron, designated by the World Well being Group as a “variant of concern” in late November, was first reported in South Africa. Its nation of origin is unclear. WHO stated it’s at the moment unknown whether or not the omicron variant has completely different signs or is extra transmissible than different variants.
The variant seems to have been behind a current spike in COVID-19 infections in South Africa’s most populous province.
READ MORE: What can we learn about Omicron variant? And why are scientists so apprehensive?
Within the U.S., Pres. Joe Biden stated the variant is a trigger for concern, not panic. He renewed his name for People to get COVID-19 booster pictures. Well being officers urged People to maintain following customary COVID-19 precautions like social distancing and sporting masks indoors.
Individually, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention broadened its advice for COVID-19 booster pictures to incorporate all adults due to omicron. The company had beforehand accredited boosters for all adults, however solely beneficial them for these 50 years and older or dwelling in long-term care settings.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the USA’ prime infectious-disease skilled, stated the COVID-19 vaccine has been confirmed to scale back the chance of extreme sickness and dying. He stated it’s cheap to imagine it’s going to supply safety towards the omicron variant.
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The place has the omicron variant been discovered within the U.S.?
Fauci stated it was solely a “matter of time” earlier than the brand new variant was detected within the U.S. Well being officers have now confirmed a number of instances of the variant in 5 states. Past these confirmed instances, its precise unfold within the U.S. is unclear.
California
The primary confirmed case within the U.S., introduced Dec. 1, was an individual who had returned from South Africa, developed delicate signs and examined optimistic for COVID-19. The affected person was totally vaccinated however was not but due for a booster dose. A second case was confirmed the following day in California.
Colorado
Colorado well being officers introduced on Dec. 2 {that a} girl was confirmed to have the omicron variant after a visit to a number of international locations in southern Africa. She had traveled via the Denver Worldwide Airport. The girl was totally vaccinated towards the virus however had not obtained a booster shot.
RELATED: Polis urges vaccinations, booster pictures after first omicron variant case reported in Colorado
Hawaii
State well being officers confirmed the variant Dec. 2 in an unvaccinated Hawaii resident with no current journey historical past. The individual, who lives on the island of Oahu, had had “mild-to-moderate” signs. They’d beforehand been contaminated with COVID-19 a yr in the past.
Minnesota
Minnesota well being officers introduced on Dec. 2 {that a} man who had attended a New York Metropolis anime conference examined optimistic for COVID-19 in late November. He was later discovered to have the variant. The person was totally vaccinated and had gotten a booster dose earlier final month.
RELATED: Minnesota well being officers verify state’s first omicron variant case
New York
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said as of Dec. 2, her state has confirmed 5 instances of the omicron variant.
