A case of the Omicron variant has been identified in a Washtenaw County individual. The individual was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week (12/8), and the confirmation of the variant was reported on 12/16. The individual has been isolating at home since the positive test result. Additional investigation is underway to determine if any of the individual's close contacts are also infected with Omicron.
The emergence of the Omicron variant underscores the importance of vaccination, boosters, and layered protection against COVID-19. Our guidance remains the same: Get vaccinated or boosted. Use layered prevention, including masking indoors, increasing ventilation, testing, distancing, and isolation or quarantine, as needed. Limit or keep gatherings small, and test before gathering, if possible. Stay away from others if you have symptoms.
It is not clear if the Omicron variant causes different illness, but it is likely to be spread more easily. Easier or faster spread means there will be more cases that are severe or deadly. Vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be widely available from local providers and pharmacies. Initial vaccine doses of all three vaccines and boosters are available through the Health Department. See Health Department clinic details here.
Read more about this variant from the CDC.