Omicron variant makes way into United States
The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been diagnosed in the United States.
The variant, first identified in South Africa, was first identified in the United States in California, following a positive test from a traveler after returning from South Africa. The virus is now present in Minnesota, Colorado, Hawaii, Nebraska, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Utah, as well as the original diagnosis in California. The virus has also been found in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Israel.
The Omicron variant is expected to be more contagious than the Delta variant, with treatments such as monoclonal antibody treatment, as per the CDC, currently expected to not be as effective. It is currently unknown as to how severity and death risk increase with this variant, due to the small sample size and recent discovery. The CDC currently reports that breakthrough infections are more common with Omicron, but vaccines are still effective at preventing severe infections. It also states that fully vaccinated individuals still run the risk of infecting others. Face coverings are still effective in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and its variants.
It should be noted that this variant is still being closely studied. Students concerned about infection should consider getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
Image courtesy of: https://www.deseret.com/2021/11/26/22803219/b11529-covid-variant-what-to-know-travel-bans-mutations-effectiveness-vaccines
