The “flood is here”; Health official warns of spread of Omicron New Year’s gatherings – CBS San Francisco

SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) – With new cases of the omicron variant soaring, health officials have warned of the threat New Year’s gatherings pose to the spread of the highly contagious strain of the COVID virus- 19.

Many restaurants, entertainment venues and bars have closed until after New Years and the popular midnight fireworks in San Francisco and Sacramento have been canceled.

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“Less than two weeks ago, I warned of an omicron deluge, and today, unfortunately, that deluge is here,” Santa County public health official Sara Cody said on Tuesday. Clara, at a press conference. “Our cases here in Santa Clara County are increasing and the majority of them are omicron.”

As people make tough choices about New Years meetings and plans this week, UCSF infectious disease expert Dr Peter Chin Hong said he even changed his mind about meals. inside.

“Last week, if you had asked me, I probably would have felt more comfortable,” he said. “This week I’m a little more nauseous and would probably feel more comfortable dining out, depending on the situation. But I am boosted, I am relatively healthy.

Cody said that in the past two weeks, the number of COVID cases and the rate of cases have tripled in his county.

While hospitalizations have not yet increased sharply with the surge in cases, Cody said they are often a lagging indicator and the order is intended to absorb the expected demand from the county’s health system.

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“What we do know is that our case rates are increasing incredibly fast,” she said. “And a certain proportion of people who get sick will need a hospital bed. We therefore anticipate that our cases will exceed what they did last winter. So even a small proportion will have a significant impact on our hospitals. And that’s what concerns us. “

Cody said that if you are planning to host large indoor gatherings, you should consider wearing a mask.

“So if you are inside, in any setting, even if it’s in your house, if you have more than a dozen people from outside your house coming in, we really urge you to keep your masks, ”she said. noted. “Keep your masks on. “

Cody also said to move the rally outside if possible.

“We are talking about these layers of prevention, of vaccinating the mask, of distancing, of boosting, etc. She said. “So ventilate as much as possible.” Move things outside like we are doing now, even if it’s a bit cold. You know, put on your jacket, put on your hat, move things outside.

But the best way to avoid getting infected, Cody said, is to simply avoid large gatherings this year.

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“At this point, with the omicron booming,” she said. “I wouldn’t recommend New Years celebrations unless they’re small. Small, intimate gatherings are the way to go in this New Year. Now is not the time to go to a big gathering.