Omicron - A New Covid-19 Variant
As of December 20, 2021, the newest Covid-19 variant Omicron has been detected in most states and territories and is rapidly increasing the proportion of Covid-19 cases in the USA.
In the past two weeks (Dec. 7th-21st), Santa Barbara County saw 1,007 new Covid-19 cases and 10 deaths. The previous two weeks had 890 cases and eight deaths.
On Dec. 20th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the Omicron variant was found in 73% of coronavirus cases in the United States, according to genetic testing.
On a bright note,
As of Tuesday, about 68.3% of eligible county residents — those age 5 and older — have been fully vaccinated and 76% of eligible locals have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
What can you do to protect against Omicron?
The Omicron variant has shown to be highly transmissible and officials have been urging people to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot when eligible.
Many local pharmacies offer Covid-19 tests, which public health officials are recommending before people travel or gather for the holidays. They also sell at-home rapid tests.
If you believe you have Covid-19 or have been in contact with somebody who has the disease, please quarantine indoors to keep others safe.
It is important that we all continue to wear our masks and get Covid-19 tests when appropriate. Stay safe Santa Barbara!