Skip to main content

Omicron Variant Detected in Monterey County

On Thursday, December 23 the Monterey County Health Department received confirmation of the first 6 cases of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant among Monterey County residents. The Monterey County Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory identified Omicron by whole genome sequencing of surveillance specimens submitted by the local medical community. Monterey County Health Department is not releasing personal information such as health status, age or gender to protect the identity of these community members. The specimens were collected from mid-December to date, indicating the variant has been present in Monterey County for at least a week. Based on data from other areas where Omicron has been active, Monterey County Health Department cautions residents that a surge in local cases may be likely in the coming weeks. While Delta is currently the predominant variant, preliminary information about Omicron indicates it spreads more quickly than other variants. More data is needed to know if Omicron causes more or less severe disease than other variants. However, evidence is growing that a booster of COVID-19 vaccine may be needed after the primary series is completed to effectively prevent infection with the Omicron variant. Individuals interested in scheduling a booster appointment can visit www.vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy offering boosters, visit Monterey County Health Department’s vaccine website to find a community-based clinic: www.montereycountycovid19.org, or call 2-1-1. The Monterey County Health Department recommends that all residents continue COVID-19 risk reduction activities throughout the holiday season including: Get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 if you have not already been vaccinated. Get a COVID-19 booster if you are 16 years or older and it has been 2 months since your first dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine or 6 months since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Wear a well-fitting face covering in indoor public settings and on public transportation. Do not go to work, school, shopping, and holiday parties if you are ill. Consider getting tested for COVID-19 before and after traveling and before and after attending gatherings with people outside of your household. Testing locations can be found on the Monterey County Health Department’s website: www.montereycountycovid19.org Monterey County Health Department will continue to update the number of COVID-19 cases caused by variants on its COVID-19 website weekly: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-local-data-10219. For more information: CDC Omicron website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html CDPH Omicron website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Omicron-Variant-Fact-Sheet.aspx CDPH Getting the Most Out of Masking: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Get-the-Most-out-of-Masking.aspx

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau.   Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass.   CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered.  The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time.   The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Jos...
Post a Comment
Read more

King City Man Arrested on January 6 for Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping

  According to King City Police Department, on December 30, 2024 a 17-year-old minor female victim reported that she had attended a party on the 100 Block of Bedford Circle on December 24, 2024. During the party, the suspect provided her with alcohol. He then pulled the victim into a bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. This case was investigated by the King City Police Department Investigations Unit which resulted in the apprehension and arrest on January 6, 2025 of the suspect identified as 21-year-old Jesus Oseguera Briseno of King City. Briseno was also booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (844) 844-3382; Sergeant Josh Partida (831) 385-4848 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely ano...
Post a Comment
Read more