Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images
The cases of the Covid Omicron variant – 19 tripled in one week in Los Angeles County, and now total 15 confirmed infections of the new strain.
On December 8, the county Department of Public Health identified 4 cases of Omicron while the first infection was discovered on December 1.
The official information released indicates that of the 8 new cases, 7 were symptomatic and none required hospitalization. Of the 8 people who had Omicron detected, 5 had been fully vaccinated, but none had received the booster vaccine.
Likewise, one of those infected with Ómicron had made an international trip; and two of them reported travel outside of California.
What’s more, 2 of the 8 cases of the new variant had already been sick with covid; and two of those infected live in the same house.
LA County Public Health confirmed in a statement that the Omicron variant is highly contagious, and being fully vaccinated with both doses may not provide adequate protection against infection.
That is why they encouraged all who are eligible to get a booster shot as soon as possible and to continue wearing masks when in public places.
As covid cases – 19 in general continue to rise, efforts to provide the vaccine throughout the county, in the most diverse communities, are a priority.
5% increase
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in a press conference that the average deaths from covid is 1, 100 per day in the country. This is an increase of 5% compared to the previous week.
“Tragically this week, 800, 000 deaths from the virus so far in the pandemic. ”
About the Omicron variant, he said that at least 36 states in the nation; and more of 75 countries have confirmed cases.
“ Although most cases continue to be attributed to the Delta variant, with the 96 % nationwide, the Omicron variant is estimated to account for 3% of infections in the United States . ”
In some areas of the country, such as New York and New Jersey , the CDC projects that the Omicron may represent the 14% of all cases.
He highlighted that When looking at data on Omicron contagion in other countries, cases are anticipated to increase in the coming weeks in the US
“The first reports suggest that Ómicron is more contagious than Delta, with a doubling time of approximately two days. ”
What does this mean as we approach the winter months when families gather for the days of parties?
“ It means that it is vital to get vaccinated; and if they are eligible, receive the booster , ”said Dr. Walensky.
He added that given the increase in infections throughout the country, this also means that we must continue with the use of the mask indoors in public places, or in areas considered of high community transmission.
“Vaccination, booster and mask are especially critical for the most vulnerable, including older adults, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. ”
He added that reports emphasize that booster vaccines increase protection, and “when administered, protection works” .
The 14 December marked the first anniversary of the first covid- 19 in the US, and now there are more than 183 millions of fully vaccinated Americans and more than 55 million with the booster.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Medical Advisor at chief under Biden’s administration and an infectious disease expert, added that studies indicate that two weeks after the third dose, the degree of protection against Omicron is substantially increased.
“ So the message is clear, if you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated. And in the case of Ómicron, if you are fully vaccinated, give yourself the booster injection ”, he advised.