Yahoo Movies Omicron update: What we know in California on the new COVID-19 variant’s threat
Californians could be witnessing the start of what officials warned would be a winter surge, as COVID-19 cases slowly climb in the country and a new variant is named.
Many countries have already restricted flights and some events across the globe have been canceled due to omicron, the new variation of the coronavirus.
Omicron, which the World Health Organization designated as a “variant of concern” Friday, is still being studied by scientists worldwide but is currently known for having various mutations, is more transmissible and could have a higher potential for reinfection.
Currently, California does not have any cases of omicron COVID-19, according to the California Department of Public Health. But the agency is keeping a close eye on this situation, which is quickly evolving.
As of Nov. 29, there is a 0.4% increase in confirmed COVID cases, with a daily average of more than 4,000 cases. Here’s what Californians need to know about the new variant and what officials are doing to address it.
What are US, California doing to prevent omicron’s spread?
President Joe Biden addressed the new variant Monday morning, indicating that it is “a cause for concern, not a cause for panic.”
The U.S. will not be implementing more restrictions to prevent the spread of the variant, according to Biden’s chief medical adviser.
“California is closely monitoring the new omicron variant, which has not yet arrived in California or the U.S.,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, the state public health officer and director of the CDPH.
But according to the agency’s fact sheet, if omicron is like previously detected variants, “it is only a matter of time before omicron is detected in the United States.”
The state will be working with the California SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative to help control the spread of COVID and to detect the variant early, according to a statement the agency issued on Sunday.
Will we have lockdowns or stay-at-home orders again?
During his talk on Monday, Biden said that he is not considering implementing a nationwide lockdown.
Will there be more screening at airports?
There will be an increase in COVID-19 testing spots at airports throughout California for citizens and legal residents who are coming back from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
It is with current understanding that existing COVID-19 tests can detect the omicron variant, but the Food and Drug Administration is working on confirming this, according to the CDPH.
How can we protect ourselves from the omicron variant?
Essentially, to prevent the omicron variant from spreading, you have to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Health officials are urging people to continue taking preventative measures, such as wearing masks in indoor public spaces, washing hands frequently and social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people age 5 and older to get vaccinated and get a booster dose, if eligible.
“Vaccines continue to be our best way through the pandemic by safely protecting us against severe illness from COVID-19 and its variants,” Aragón of the CDPH said in Sunday’s statement.
You should also get tested if you feel COVID-19 symptoms and stay at home if you are feeling unwell.
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