On December 27th, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) was notified of three residents with confirmed cases of the Omicron variant. One of the residents tested positive for COVID-19 on December 12th while the other two tested positive on December 13th.
The residents identified have been contacted by the SCCHD and a case investigation is ongoing. Of the three infected, one was unvaccinated and another had a primary vaccination series yet was not eligible for the booster. The third had received a primary vaccination series and booster, although was not yet considered fully boosted as the positive test occurred within 14 days of dose administration.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Omicron variant will likely spread more easily, but its overall impact compared to the Delta variant, remains unknown. The CDC expects that anyone with the Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, however, are likely to occur.
“We knew it was a matter of time before the variant was detected in our community. The good news is that we have the tools to help slow the spread by following proven mitigation strategies,” noted Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St. Clair County Health Department.
These include:
- Vaccination for anyone age 5 and older and a booster shot when eligible
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings
- Physically distance from others
- Stay home whenever symptoms appear
- Get tested for COVID-19, especially before gatherings
- Self-isolate properly if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19
- Wash your hands frequently
Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.
Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department
