The US' first confirmed case of the Omicron coronavirus variant has been identified in California. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said the case was an individual who traveled from South Africa.
In a White House news briefing, 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 and tested positive for Covid-19 on November 29. Coronavirus variants: Here's what we knowThat individual, Fauci said, is self-quarantining and close contacts have tested negative for the coronavirus so far.
As we continue to learn more about Omicron, there is no reason to panic but we should remain vigilant.— Office of the Governor of California December 1, 2021 The World Health Organization designates Omicron a"variant of concern." In a technical brief released this week, WHO noted that the variant poses a"very high" global risk. The variant was first identified by scientists in South Africa, and has since been detected in several countries.
On Monday, President Joe Biden called the variant"a cause for concern, not a cause for panic," saying"we'll have to face this new threat just as we face those who have come before it."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 ventilation will still work against the Omicron variant.
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