ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Well being officers are urging folks to remain vigilant, however not panic after the primary confirmed case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant recognized in america.
What You Want To Know
- The primary case of the COVID-19 omicron variant within the U.S. was reported Wednesday
- Whereas there’s a lot docs and scientists do not know in regards to the variant, they nonetheless urge folks to take precautions
- These embrace getting a COVID-19 vacciation, and booster, carrying a masks and practising social distancing
Wednesday,U.S. Surgeon Normal Vivek H. Murthy highlighted the significance of vaccinations and boosters.
Officers mentioned the omicron variant case was recognized in an individual who flew from South Africa to California final week.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, mentioned the individual was absolutely vaccinated, however didn’t know if that they had acquired a booster shot.
Scientists admit they’re nonetheless working to study extra in regards to the variant, whereas docs proceed to say the vaccine is the perfect protection.
Orange County Public Faculties continues to host vaccine occasions at totally different faculty campuses throughout the district. With winter break proper across the nook, households are persevering with to be cautious.
Wednesday night, Michal Szapiel introduced his three daughters to Dr. Phillips Excessive so his oldest might obtain her second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“We wish to preserve them protected and wholesome,” Szapiel mentioned. “We don’t need any potential points down the street in the event that they get doubtlessly sick.”
The household is planning to move west for the vacations. Mother, dad, and large sis are all vaccinated, however his two youthful daughters aren’t eligible but.
“This one I’m not a lot involved with as a result of she continues to be breast feeding and getting antibodies from her mother,” Szapiel mentioned, referencing his youngest. “This one (center daughter) goes to high school each day, pre-k, and there may be corona circumstances each different week.”
Pediatric infectious illness specialist Dr. Michael Muszynski mentioned with the brand new omicron variant reaching the states, it’s time to be cautious, however not time to panic.
“Proper now we must always monitor the variant and do frequent sense,” he mentioned. “Have your children put on masks in class.”
Dr. David Edwards, an aerosol scientist and Harvard College school member, mentioned the omicron variant does look like spreading sooner than the delta variant.
“I believe it’s probably, when it begins to unfold in america, it can unfold comparatively rapidly,” he mentioned. “Hopefully, like with the Delta variant a wave, and can come and go in a comparatively brief time frame.”
Each docs mentioned that even with restricted knowledge, the perfect protection in opposition to this new variant is getting a vaccine.
“I’ve some relations that don’t wish to get vaccinated, we clearly wish to spend time collectively,” Szapiel mentioned. “It’s onerous as a result of we don’t wish to expose the children.”
He mentioned his family has performed all they’ll, with everybody who’s eligible.
At the moment Florida does have one of many lowest ranges of COVID unfold within the nation, with a 3-5% positivity charge. However Muszynski mentioned docs and scientists want not less than two to a few extra weeks to see if the present vaccines can produce neutralizing antibodies to cease the omicron variant.
