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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

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