The first United States confirmed case of the Omicron variant has been detected inn California. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the case was in an individual who traveled from South Africa on November 22, 2021 and tested positive for Covid-19 on November 29, 2021.
That individual, Fauci said, is self-quarantining and close contacts have tested negative for the coronavirus so far. The person was fully vaccinated and is experiencing “mild symptoms, which are improving at this point,” Fauci said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted, “As we continue to learn more about Omicron, there is no reason to panic but we should remain vigilant. We know how to protect ourselves from COVID – get vaccinated, get your booster & wear a mask.”
Scientists are working to determine how transmissible the variant is, how sick it makes people and how well current vaccines work against it. The United States restricted travel from South Africa and seven other countries on November 29, 2021 which is seven days after this first case arrived on a flight from Africa. As always too little too late. The genie is out of the bottle.
Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against Covid-19, or get a booster if they’re eligible. Other measures such as masks, handwashing, physical distancing and good ventilation will still work against the Omicron variant.