First Omicron COVID-19 Variant Case In Arizona

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COVID-19 (Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control)

The Arizona Department of Health Services and Yavapai County Community Health Services have confirmed Arizona’s first known case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Researchers say the COVID-19 Omicron variant may cause less serious Covid cases than other forms of the virus, but it is unclear whether that will hold true.

“Much remains unknown about the Omicron variant at this time, including whether it is more transmissible and more capable of producing severe illness than the Delta variant,” said Don Herrington, AZDHS interim director. “We do know that current COVID-19 vaccines have remained very effective against Delta and other variants, and I strongly encourage Arizonans to get vaccinated if they aren’t already and make sure they’re current on their booster dose if they are fully vaccinated.”

Leslie Horton, director of Yavapai County Community Health Services, released a statement on the variant arriving to the state, saying, “It’s natural to be concerned, but we should avoid overreacting to this news. Since late 2020, as different variants have come along, COVID-19 vaccines have consistently proven highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Our best response to the Omicron variant, as with any other variant of concern, is renewing our focus on vaccination and following recommendations, such as staying home when sick, that are proven to reduce the spread.”

Pfizer says its booster shots are effective in protecting people from the omicron variant. A study showed that two doses of the Pfizer shot may still offer some protection, but recent lab tests showed the booster shot is the best protection against this new variant.

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