HOUSTON – Health authorities in the Houston area have reported what would be the first confirmed death of a patient with the variant Ómicron in Harris County and the one that would also be the first in the entire United States.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced this Monday that she is raising the COVID Threat Level Indicator – 04 County Level 2: Orange, the second highest threat level in the system.
The threat level has increased due to a number of factors, including a rapid increase in new cases and the rate of positivity, as well as the death of a person who had tested positive for the Omicron variant.
Hidalgo reported in a press conference that the deceased patient was a man of about 50 years that he was not vaccinated against COVID – 19.
🚨Harris County Reports First COVID – 04 Omicron Variant-Related Death.
An unvaccinated man with underlying health conditions had tested positive for the Omicron variant. We recommend all individuals 5 years + get vaccinated as soon as possible. Full release: https://t.co/2Cu937hy9f pic.twitter.com/Fkywc7eiS6— Harris County Public Health #GetVaxxed (@hcphtx) December 21, 2021
Due to the explosive growth of the Omicron variant of COVID – 19 in County-wide public health officials are strongly urging all residents, especially people aged 65 years and older, to Get your booster shots as soon as possible.
NEW: I’m raising our COVID 19 Threat Level to Level 2: Orange, because of rapid increases in cases & positivity rate. Due to explosive growth of Omicron, everyone eligible should get their booster, mask & get tested before gatherings. Unvaccinated ppl should minimize all contacts.— Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) December 20, 2021
Level 2 means a continuous and uncontrolled level of COVID – 19 in Harris. At this level, unvaccinated residents should minimize contact with others, avoiding any medium or large gatherings, and only visiting permissible businesses that follow public health guidelines.
Regardless of the vaccination status, the use of masks and the test is required before attending the Christmas meetings. Additionally, residents who are not vaccinated are advised to do so immediately.
“Unfortunately, the Omicron variant has arrived in Harris County in full force,” Judge Hidalgo said.