By Jeffrey Anderson, Caitlyn Belson & Sabrina Vang
Although the pandemic is becoming more normalized, a new variant has surfaced. This variant is called Omicron, and it is considered the most contagious version of the virus.
The Omicron variant is a new COVID-19 variant that has been detected in at least 16 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Omicron cases are likely to continue rising. With the holidays around the corner, health officials urge families to stay safe with traveling and get-togethers. South African scientists are saying that previous COVID-19 infections prove little immunity towards the variant.
Earlier last week, University of California- San Francisco scientists confirmed the first case, which includes five additional cases found in Alameda County. Omicron was first spotted in South Africa on November 24, 2021. Scientists have said that his virus is spreading more rapidly than the other variants of COVID-19, which can be known as the most contagious one yet.
The University of Wisconsin- Green Bay still has a few weeks left of classes until the end of the semester. With holidays just around the corner, precautionary measures should be taken. Nursing student, Brittney Tran, stresses the importance of mask-wearing and other COVID-19 precautionary actions. “Everyone hates wearing masks, but with Omicron surfacing, it’s a risk we cannot take lightly, especially since it is such a rapid-spreading variant.” She adds, “Mask-wearing is the barest of bare minimum precautions we should be taking as a community. Holidays are meant to spend with family. Therefore everyone needs to take these precautions. Make it home to your family and be safe.”
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed the first Omicron case in Wisconsin on December 4, 2021. They’ve identified the first case as a Milwaukee resident who was fully vaccinated with the booster shot and had recently traveled to South Africa.
Health officials are encouraging residents to follow the latest public health guidance more than ever. In the article, Wisconsin health officials confirm the first case of the COVID-19 variant. Governor Tony Evers stresses the importance of getting vaccinated. He says, “Now is the time to double down on our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant. I urge all Wisconsinites to get vaccinated and receive a booster dose as soon as possible.”
As variants continuously appear, more and more officials encourage residents to get vaccinated and follow health guidance. Data reported by the Department of Homeland Security shows that unvaccinated people were nine times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 11 times more likely to die than those vaccinated.