Contra Costa health officials confirm early cases of Omicron variant – “It was just a matter of time” – CBS San Francisco

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (CBS SF) – Contra Costa County health officials have confirmed their first cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19, while urging residents to receive booster shots and be careful before the holidays .

According to Contra Costa Health Services, three variant cases were found by genomic sequencing. The variant was detected during county sewage testing earlier this month.

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“We knew it was only a matter of time before the omicron variant appeared in Contra Costa County,” Health chief Dr Chris Farnitano said in a statement on Monday.

Two of the cases in the county involved people who were fully vaccinated but without a booster shot, while the third case involved an unvaccinated person. Authorities said none of omicron’s patients had been hospitalized so far.

Contra Costa health officials said omicron has likely been circulating in the community for several weeks. The fast-spreading variant, first discovered a month ago, has been found in other Bay Area counties since early December, with health officials expect “many more cases” in the coming weeks.

As the omicron variant spreads, health officials have pointed out that most cases of COVID-19 in the county so far remain the delta variant.

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Health officials said the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases in Contra Costa County has increased by around 5% in the past two weeks. Hospitalizations due to the virus have remained stable so far in December.

Farnitano again urged residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster. As of Monday, only about a third of eligible residents in the county had received their third dose.

“With today’s news and the holidays just around the corner, this message is even more important. People who receive the booster are much less likely to become seriously ill or be hospitalized. This is our wish for this holiday season, ”said the health worker.

While officials said those vaccinated did not need to cancel their vacation plans, officials urged residents to take precautions, including staying home and testing if they develop symptoms, from test before and after travel or attend gatherings; and wear masks in indoor public spaces.

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Information on COVID-19 vaccines and tests can be found by visit the Contra Costa Health Services website or by calling 833-829-2626.