niman

https://covid19.colorado.gov/

New Tests Administered 51,641 04/24/2020 ... 12/02/2021 10,109 New Individuals Tested New Positive Cases 5,659 11/23/2021 ... 12/02/2021 Positivity - All Tests 13.1 %7-Day Rate 11/20/2021 ... 11/26/2021 8.7 % cumulative rate New Deaths 57Newly Reported Deaths Date of death between 10/29/2021 ... 12/02/2021 7-Day Average - 23 Deaths Total Confirmed COVID-19 Counts Total Tests Administered 15,579,287 02/26/2020 ... 12/02/2021 4,551,370 Individuals Tested Total Positive Cases 1,118,335 03/06/2020 ... 12/02/2021 5,549 Statewide Reinfection Cases since 9/1/2021 Positivity - Unique Individuals 24.1 %7-Day Rate 11/20/2021 ... 11/26/2021 24.4 % cumulative rate Total Deaths 17,117 03/16/2020 ... 12/02/2021 https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/DataDashboard#dashboard

1,368,351 Confirmed Cases 349,525 CDC Expanded Case Definition (Probable) 1,717,876 Total Cases 87,504 Number of Hospitalizations in Ohio *26,851 Ohio Resident Deaths *26,807 Deaths in State of Ohio 10,868 Number of ICU Admissions **601.1 Cases per 100,000 <1-111 Age Range 39 Median Age 46%*** Sex - Males 53%*** Sex - Females LAST UPDATED 12/03/2021 (UPDATED DAILY AT 2 P.M.) ***1% SEX NOT REPORTED https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home#:~:text=931%2C299,Sex - Females

Number of confirmed cases : 590,813 Number of persons tested negative : 4,628,508 Total testing volume : 15,152,891 Daily testing Volume : 42,541 Number of confirmed deaths : 11,007 Number of probable deaths : 233 Currently hospitalized (Total/Adult/Pediatric): 767 / 759 / 8 Acute care (Total/Adult/Pediatric): 584 / 579 / 5 Intensive care (Total/Adult/Pediatric): 183 / 180 / 3 Ever hospitalized : 52,564 Released from isolation : 11,579 https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/

Confirmed Cases 1,288,387 Confirmed Deaths 25,791 Hospitalizations 89,822 ICU Admissions 14,038 Antigen Positive Cases 380,488 Probable Deaths 4,864 Reported Today Confirmed Cases Antigen Positive Cases Confirmed Deaths Hospitalizations 867 479 27 105 https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report

Harris County Confirmed Cases 585,955 Dallas County Confirmed Cases 349,245 Tarrant County Confirmed Cases 305,649 Bexar County Confirmed Cases 269,412 El Paso County Confirmed Cases 160,798 Travis County Confirmed Cases 122,426 Collin County Confirmed Cases 108,109 Fort Bend County Confirmed Cases 86,939 Denton County Confirmed Cases 80,256 Montgomery County Confirmed Cases 69,203 Hidalgo County Confirmed Cases 69,134 Lubbock County Confirmed Cases 67,980 Williamson County Confirmed Cases 67,283 Galveston County Confirmed Cases 55,034 Cameron County Confirmed Cases 54,031 Webb County Confirmed Cases 53,408 Brazoria County Confirmed Cases 48,220 McLennan County Confirmed Cases 43,146 Nueces County Confirmed Cases 42,790 Bell County Confirmed Cases 34,342 Brazos County Confirmed Cases 33,382 Jefferson County Confirmed Cases 32,032 Hays County Confirmed Cases 30,412 Ellis County Confirmed Cases 26,876 Midland County Confirmed Cases 26,833 Randall County Confirmed Cases 25,534 Potter County Confirmed Cases 24,853 Johnson County Confirmed Cases 23,490 Wichita County Confirmed Cases 22,411 Smith County Confirmed Cases 20,847 Kaufman County Confirmed Cases 19,383 Parker County Confirmed Cases 19,299 Guadalupe County Confirmed Cases 17,986 Grayson County Confirmed Cases 16,550 Rockwall County Confirmed Cases 13,767 Victoria County Confirmed Cases 13,117 Ector County Confirmed Cases 12,963 Maverick County Confirmed Cases 12,624 Comal County Confirmed Cases 11,657 Bastrop County Confirmed Cases 10,728 Val Verde County Confirmed Cases 10,712 Walker County Confirmed Cases 10,321 Coryell County Confirmed Cases 9,916 Taylor County Confirmed Cases 9,799 Liberty County Confirmed Cases 9,726 Wise County Confirmed Cases 9,610 Starr County Confirmed Cases 9,265 Gregg County Confirmed Cases 9,172 Chambers County Confirmed Cases 8,860 Hunt County Confirmed Cases 8,652 Hale County Confirmed Cases 8,136 Bowie County Confirmed Cases 7,695 Caldwell County Confirmed Cases 7,226 Atascosa County Confirmed Cases 6,792 Angelina County Confirmed Cases 6,758 Henderson County Confirmed Cases 6,504 Burnet County Confirmed Cases 6,360 Hood County Confirmed Cases 6,067 Tom Green County Confirmed Cases 6,065 Uvalde County Confirmed Cases 5,971 Jim Wells County Confirmed Cases 5,810 Nacogdoches County Confirmed Cases 5,651 Orange County Confirmed Cases 5,455 Wilson County Confirmed Cases 5,448 Waller County Confirmed Cases 5,384 Wharton County Confirmed Cases 5,367 San Patricio County Confirmed Cases 5,354 Anderson County Confirmed Cases 5,091 Matagorda County Confirmed Cases 5,078 Medina County Confirmed Cases 4,867 Washington County Confirmed Cases 4,808 Van Zandt County Confirmed Cases 4,792 Grimes County Confirmed Cases 4,721 Hill County Confirmed Cases 4,650 Bee County Confirmed Cases 4,577 Rusk County Confirmed Cases 4,530 Harrison County Confirmed Cases 4,427 Erath County Confirmed Cases 4,393 Navarro County Confirmed Cases 4,369 Willacy County Confirmed Cases 4,332 Hardin County Confirmed Cases 4,295 Cooke County Confirmed Cases 4,219 Palo Pinto County Confirmed Cases 4,215 Titus County Confirmed Cases 3,964 Hockley County Confirmed Cases 3,739 Wood County Confirmed Cases 3,645 Karnes County Confirmed Cases 3,613 Kerr County Confirmed Cases 3,538 Lamar County Confirmed Cases 3,536 Brown County Confirmed Cases 3,374 Scurry County Confirmed Cases 3,370 Howard County Confirmed Cases 3,344 Fannin County Confirmed Cases 3,276 Hopkins County Confirmed Cases 3,236 Frio County Confirmed Cases 3,209 Hutchinson County Confirmed Cases 3,122 Dimmit County Confirmed Cases 3,115 Lampasas County Confirmed Cases 3,054 Kleberg County Confirmed Cases 3,035 DeWitt County Confirmed Cases 3,014 Andrews County Confirmed Cases 2,929 Kendall County Confirmed Cases 2,904 Gonzales County Confirmed Cases 2,888 Austin County Confirmed Cases 2,828 Gray County Confirmed Cases 2,804 Calhoun County Confirmed Cases 2,776 Cass County Confirmed Cases 2,769 Montague County Confirmed Cases 2,698 Burleson County Confirmed Cases 2,668 Limestone County Confirmed Cases 2,636 Moore County Confirmed Cases 2,615 Young County Confirmed Cases 2,602 Polk County Confirmed Cases 2,582 Deaf Smith County Confirmed Cases 2,568 Nolan County Confirmed Cases 2,542 Cherokee County Confirmed Cases 2,491 Robertson County Confirmed Cases 2,404 Lamb County Confirmed Cases 2,370 Jackson County Confirmed Cases 2,367 Gillespie County Confirmed Cases 2,357 Lavaca County Confirmed Cases 2,355 Upshur County Confirmed Cases 2,319 Falls County Confirmed Cases 2,285 Terry County Confirmed Cases 2,249 Dawson County Confirmed Cases 2,208 Fayette County Confirmed Cases 2,205 Gaines County Confirmed Cases 2,192 Zavala County Confirmed Cases 2,171 Madison County Confirmed Cases 2,162 Milam County Confirmed Cases 2,150 Jones County Confirmed Cases 2,137 Colorado County Confirmed Cases 2,095 Wilbarger County Confirmed Cases 2,068 Aransas County Confirmed Cases 2,033 San Jacinto County Confirmed Cases 1,970 Llano County Confirmed Cases 1,925 Pecos County Confirmed Cases 1,893 Leon County Confirmed Cases 1,865 Bosque County Confirmed Cases 1,834 Comanche County Confirmed Cases 1,763 Bandera County Confirmed Cases 1,750 Childress County Confirmed Cases 1,709 Shelby County Confirmed Cases 1,696 Zapata County Confirmed Cases 1,680 Panola County Confirmed Cases 1,663 Reeves County Confirmed Cases 1,663 Freestone County Confirmed Cases 1,651 Duval County Confirmed Cases 1,604 Jasper County Confirmed Cases 1,596 Eastland County Confirmed Cases 1,557 Lee County Confirmed Cases 1,462 Clay County Confirmed Cases 1,407 Ochiltree County Confirmed Cases 1,397 Ward County Confirmed Cases 1,361 Houston County Confirmed Cases 1,352 Yoakum County Confirmed Cases 1,291 Live Oak County Confirmed Cases 1,287 Camp County Confirmed Cases 1,284 Hamilton County Confirmed Cases 1,199 Trinity County Confirmed Cases 1,122 Archer County Confirmed Cases 1,109 La Salle County Confirmed Cases 1,083 Dallam County Confirmed Cases 1,077 Parmer County Confirmed Cases 1,071 Winkler County Confirmed Cases 1,044 Morris County Confirmed Cases 1,041 Tyler County Confirmed Cases 1,038 Castro County Confirmed Cases 1,036 Mitchell County Confirmed Cases 1,005 Runnels County Confirmed Cases 985 Swisher County Confirmed Cases 980 Refugio County Confirmed Cases 924 Callahan County Confirmed Cases 904 Franklin County Confirmed Cases 903 Blanco County Confirmed Cases 889 Brewster County Confirmed Cases 887 Brooks County Confirmed Cases 876 Jack County Confirmed Cases 869 Lynn County Confirmed Cases 868 Somervell County Confirmed Cases 844 Mills County Confirmed Cases 751 Rains County Confirmed Cases 749 Hartley County Confirmed Cases 745 Coleman County Confirmed Cases 743 Red River County Confirmed Cases 730 Bailey County Confirmed Cases 706 Marion County Confirmed Cases 684 Presidio County Confirmed Cases 674 San Saba County Confirmed Cases 674 Wheeler County Confirmed Cases 661 Stephens County Confirmed Cases 650 Hemphill County Confirmed Cases 645 Jim Hogg County Confirmed Cases 634 Floyd County Confirmed Cases 629 Crosby County Confirmed Cases 613 Carson County Confirmed Cases 587 McCulloch County Confirmed Cases 570 Hudspeth County Confirmed Cases 504 Martin County Confirmed Cases 467 San Augustine County Confirmed Cases 465 Hansford County Confirmed Cases 459 Hall County Confirmed Cases 457 Kinney County Confirmed Cases 451 Fisher County Confirmed Cases 439 Concho County Confirmed Cases 429 Real County Confirmed Cases 422 Newton County Confirmed Cases 420 Sabine County Confirmed Cases 415 Cochran County Confirmed Cases 405 Hardeman County Confirmed Cases 392 Garza County Confirmed Cases 383 Lipscomb County Confirmed Cases 379 Culberson County Confirmed Cases 375 Delta County Confirmed Cases 373 Goliad County Confirmed Cases 356 Sutton County Confirmed Cases 322 Collingsworth County Confirmed Cases 310 Coke County Confirmed Cases 302 Crane County Confirmed Cases 297 Kimble County Confirmed Cases 289 Mason County Confirmed Cases 283 Donley County Confirmed Cases 282 Haskell County Confirmed Cases 273 Reagan County Confirmed Cases 246 Crockett County Confirmed Cases 245 Edwards County Confirmed Cases 242 Sherman County Confirmed Cases 235 Knox County Confirmed Cases 228 Baylor County Confirmed Cases 212 Armstrong County Confirmed Cases 209 Oldham County Confirmed Cases 198 Cottle County Confirmed Cases 189 Schleicher County Confirmed Cases 188 Shackelford County Confirmed Cases 186 Menard County Confirmed Cases 181 Jeff Davis County Confirmed Cases 163 Briscoe County Confirmed Cases 162 Dickens County Confirmed Cases 146 Foard County Confirmed Cases 146 Upton County Confirmed Cases 106 McMullen County Confirmed Cases 94 Roberts County Confirmed Cases 92 Sterling County Confirmed Cases 85 Motley County Confirmed Cases 74 Terrell County Confirmed Cases 71 Irion County Confirmed Cases 62 Throckmorton County Confirmed Cases 60 Stonewall County Confirmed Cases 55 Glasscock County Confirmed Cases 51 Kent County Confirmed Cases 47 Kenedy County Confirmed Cases 32 Borden County Confirmed Cases 30 King County Confirmed Cases 14 Loving County Confirmed Cases 5 https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/45e18cba105c478697c76acbbf86a6bc

https://data.ct.gov/stories/s/q5as-kyim

New Cases 479 New Deaths 12 COVID Patients in Hospitals 213 Total Cases* 772,789 Total Deaths* 14,826 COVID Patients on Ventilators 24 Those not fully vaccinated account for... 82% of cases from 11/18 - 11/24 71% of deaths from 11/18 - 11/24 83% of current COVID hospitalizations https://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus/

Omicron Variant Detected in Georgia Resident DECEMBER 03, 2021 NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2021 Omicron Variant Detected in Georgia Resident New Variant Reinforces the Need for Vaccination and Testing Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has been notified of a Georgia resident currently in New Jersey who has tested positive for COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. The individual recently traveled from South Africa and was in Georgia for two days before traveling on to New Jersey where the testing and sequencing were done. The individual is fully vaccinated, and is isolating in New Jersey. Contact tracing is underway there and in Georgia to identify close contacts at risk of infection. So far, no additional Omicron cases in Georgia have been identified. “Vaccination and boosters are key to preventing further transmission of COVID-19 and help prevent new variants like Omicron from emerging,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. “Only 51% of Georgians are fully vaccinated and of those individuals less than 20% have received booster doses.” Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time. Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant. All Georgians over the age of 5 are now eligible for COVID vaccination. Booster doses of vaccine are recommended for adults 18 and older who completed their first series of vaccine at least six months ago. The CDC also recommends general prevention measures such as wearing a mask in public settings, staying 6 feet from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and frequently washing your hands to protect against COVID-19. Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should get tested. To find a COVID vaccine or COVID testing location near you log on to dph.ga.gov. DPH will continue to monitor Omicron developments and provide updates as new information becomes available. For updates on COVID-19, follow @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH and @GovKemp on Facebook https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-12-03/omicron-variant-detected-georgia-resident

Governor Murphy and Commissioner Persichilli Confirm First Omicron Variant Case in New Jersey TRENTON - Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli today announced that the New Jersey Department of Health has identified a case of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in a traveler to the state. The individual, an adult female, who is a fully vaccinated Georgia resident, had recently traveled to South Africa. Since testing positive on November 28, the woman has remained in isolation. She experienced moderate symptoms and is now recovering after receiving care in a North Jersey emergency department. The New Jersey Department of Health laboratory performed sequencing on the specimen to confirm it was the Omicron variant. “The Omicron variant is among us and we need to take steps to stop its spread. It is vital that residents remain as vigilant as possible as we await more information about the variant,” said Governor Murphy. “Vaccinations and mask wearing have proven to be an effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and I urge everyone ages 18 and over to receive a booster.” “With cases increasing and the identification of the Omicron in the state, the fight against COVID-19 is not over,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We are still learning about the Omicron variant, but we have tools to stop the spread of the virus, most important among them is to get vaccinated and get a booster dose. The public should continue to mask up, get tested if they have symptoms, physically distance, avoid crowded events, stay home when sick and wash hands frequently.” On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization classified this new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron. On November 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a Variant of Concern. The New Jersey Department of Health has been working with other states, local health departments, clinical laboratories, hospitals, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to rapidly identify individuals who may have been infected with the Omicron variant. Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection may decrease over time. Booster doses provide essential additional protection. While more than 70 percent of residents have received their primary vaccine series, only 31 percent of residents eligible have received a booster. The CDC recommends that all individuals 5 and older should get vaccinated and those 18 and older receive a booster dose. Residents should visit covid19.nj.gov or call the Vaccine Call Center at 855-568-0545 to find a vaccine or booster appointment. Additionally, CDC has issued new guidance on international travel, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html

She experienced moderate symptoms and is now recovering after receiving care in a North Jersey emergency department. https://www.nj.gov/health/news/2021/approved/20211203a.shtml

Vaccines Administered 17,508,319 Click Here for Vaccination Details Total Cases 1,835,076 Positivity 7-Day Rolling Average Case Positivity 4.7% Test Positivity 5.6% Confirmed Deaths 26,535 Variant Cases 31,384 Click Here for COVID-19 Variants Details Probable Deaths 2,986 Total Tests Performed* 39,650,009 *Total molecular and antigens tests performed and reported electronically for testing of COVID-19 at IDPH, commercial or hospital laboratories. All numbers displayed are provisional and will change. https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html

https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163_98173---,00.html

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-interactive-data-dashboard-

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing-tracker#/signin?externalRedirect=%2Fviews%2FNYS-COVID19-Tracker%2FNYSDOHCOVID-19Tracker-Map%3F%3Aembed%3Dyes%26%3Atoolbar%3Dno%26%3Atabs%3Dn&site=

Deposited at GISAID hCoV-19/USA/NY-PRL-2021_1126_01D05/2021 33M hCoV-19/USA/NY-PRL-2021_1126_01A06/2021 32F

First Case of Omicron Variant Confirmed in Boulder County Different mitigations strategies can help to keep people safe Seguido en Español Boulder County, CO — The first case of the COVID-19 omicron variant in Boulder County was detected on Dec. 3. Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) has been working closely with the state to monitor variant activity in the county. Omicron (B.1.1.529) is a new variant that was first reported on Nov. 24 in South Africa and may be responsible for an increase in cases in that country. Omicron was detected in the United States on Dec. 1, and on Dec. 2, the first case was confirmed in Colorado. BCPH was notified by a local healthcare provider of a patient who had recently tested positive for COVID-19 with recent travel history to South Africa. BCPH contacted the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) who was able to track the positive result for this individual and confirm sequencing results on Dec. 3 for the omicron variant. The individual is currently isolating and BCPH is working with CDPHE to notify close contacts. The CDPHE monitors the presence of variants in the state and conducts genetic sequencing of human samples that are positive for SARS-CoV-2 from around the state. This allows CDPHE to track the variants that are circulating in the state. Find Colorado’s current variant data at https://covid19.colorado.gov/data. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data, Colorado has one of the highest SARS-CoV-2 virus sequencing rates in the country, which is why the state was one of the first to detect the variant. “It’s not unexpected that we would eventually identify another variant of SARS-CoV2. All viruses generate random changes as they replicate. Some changes cause the virus to adapt and become more efficient in passing from person to person. As long as we see ongoing transmission, we will continue to see emergence of new variants. When we have such high rates of COVID-19 in our community, vaccination is critically important, as well as other measures to limit transmission such as wearing a mask inside,” said Michelle Haas, BCPH Chief Medical Officer. “Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the most important step that individuals can do for their own health and the health of their community to reduce the impact of COVID-19. Vaccination greatly reduces the chances of infection, which limits transmission and reduces the chances of being hospitalized and dying from COVID-19. Because the omicron variant is new, we are still gathering information about whether it is more contagious and whether it will cause people to have more severe disease. However, what little we do know would indicate there is still some protection from vaccines, and that masking and other mitigation strategies are still highly effective.” BCPH currently requires everyone age 2 and older to wear a mask while indoors in a public space and strongly recommends wearing a mask when around individuals from other households indoors and while outdoors in crowds or large groups where social distancing is not possible. In addition to getting vaccinated and wearing a mask, there are other precautions you can take to help keep everyone safe from serious illness or hospitalization. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains 60% alcohol. Whenever possible, move any events or gatherings outdoors. If you must be indoors with other households, be diligent about wearing your mask, improve ventilation and increase air filtration. If you feel sick or have any symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell or sore throat, stay home, get tested and isolate or quarantine if necessary. In alignment with CDPHE, BCPH recommends that people who have recently traveled internationally should be tested 3-5 days after their return with a molecular or PCR test, regardless of symptoms or vaccination history. Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, who develops symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate. Scientists are still learning about this variant. Vaccines are still the safest, most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, as well as help avoid the worst outcomes (severe illness, hospitalization and death) among those who do become infected. Despite the detection of omicron, delta remains the predominant strain in the United States. For more information on the Omicron variant visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html. Here is what you can do to stay safe: Get vaccinated Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu and get your booster. Vaccines are safe, effective and easy to access. Wear a mask Everyone 2+ is required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while indoors and should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings. Practice social distancing Stay six feet away from others whenever possible. Remember, some people without symptoms may spread the virus. Wash your hands Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Stay home if you’re sick If you feel sick (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell or sore throat), stay home, get tested and isolate or quarantine if necessary. COVID-19 resources in Boulder County: Vaccine providers: boco.org/CovidVaccine Testing: boco.org/covid19testing Isolation and quarantine guidance: boco.org/quarantine-isolation Travel: Travel | CDC

BCPH was notified by a local healthcare provider of a patient who had recently tested positive for COVID-19 with recent travel history to South Africa. https://www.bouldercounty.org/news/first-case-of-omicron-variant-confirmed-in-boulder-county/

COVID-19 Omicron variant discovered in Utah DECEMBER 3, 2021 FEATURED-NEWS (Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) today confirmed the state’s first case of COVID-19 caused by the new Omicron variant. The case was discovered through ongoing genetic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples at the Utah Public Health Laboratory. The individual who tested positive is an older adult who lives within the Southwest Utah Public Health District and recently returned home to Utah after traveling to South Africa. The person is fully vaccinated, received monoclonal antibody treatment, and is recovering at home after experiencing only mild symptoms. The UDOH conducted a thorough case investigation, including identifying any close contacts of the case. The person who tested positive and their close contacts have been very cooperative and are following the isolation, quarantine, and testing guidance of public health authorities. “Given the high number of Utahns traveling in and out of the state, it is not surprising the Omicron variant has been found in Utah,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist at the UDOH. “The discovery of this case does not change the way Utah residents should protect themselves, but reinforces that we all need to take this virus seriously. Please take action to protect yourself. Get vaccinated and get a booster dose when you qualify, wear a mask in crowded, indoor settings, get tested early if you have symptoms, and stay home if you are sick or test positive.” The UPHL has robust genetic sequencing capabilities and can sequence up to 3,100 samples each week. The lab has sequenced 11.6% of all positive COVID-19 PCR samples since the beginning of the pandemic. There are still many unknowns with regard to the Omicron variant, including whether it spreads more easily, causes more severe disease, and how well the current vaccines work against it. As a precautionary measure, the CDC recommends international travelers who are unvaccinated should stay home and away from others for 7 days after their trip and all travelers should get tested 3-5 after they return to Utah. Vaccination and booster shots still offer the best protection against COVID-19. The CDC and the UDOH strongly recommend adults 18 and older get booster doses when they are eligible (6 months after receiving their Pfizer or Moderna shots, or 2 months after receiving their Johnson & Johnson shot). Additionally, getting tested immediately upon symptom onset can allow for treatment with monoclonal antibodies, and potentially with antiviral pills that are awaiting FDA authorization.

The individual who tested positive is an older adult who lives within the Southwest Utah Public Health District and recently returned home to Utah after traveling to South Africa. https://health.utah.gov/featured-news/covid-19-omicron-variant-discovered-in-utah

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 22 mins · BREAKING NEWS: Missouri just announced the first case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron Variant. The presumed positive sample originated from a St. Louis City resident who has recent domestic travel history. The results are currently awaiting confirmation by the CDC. Everyone 5 years and older is highly encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated (and boosted if age 18 and older). “Although there is much we still need to learn about this new variant, we do know the best tool currently available to protect ourselves from COVID-19 is personal prevention. I urge Missourians to seek information on the Omicron variant from DHSS and trusted medical sources as opposed to social media,” said Donald Kauerauf, DHSS Director. “We also encourage Missourians to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and staying informed this holiday season as this new variant is investigated further.” What we know: - The Omicron variant has mutated several times in ways that are causing concern for public health experts - Omicron has been identified in several countries and states within the U.S. What we don’t know (more data is being collected): - Transmissibility caused by Omicron - Disease severity caused by Omicron - Degree to which vaccines and therapies protect against Omicron What you can do to protect yourself and those around you: - Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission - Frequent handwashing - Maintain physical distance from others - Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms Find your vaccine at MOStopsCovid.com. Find testing resources at Health.Mo.Gov/communitytest.

The presumed positive sample originated from a St. Louis City resident who has recent domestic travel history. The results are currently awaiting confirmation by the CDC. https://www.facebook.com/HealthyLivingMo/posts/273024561533455

Governor Hogan Announces First Three Confirmed Cases of Omicron Variant in Maryland State Health Officials Continue to Urge Boosters, Strongly Recommend Testing If Symptomatic or Recently Returned From International Travel ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that state health officials have confirmed the first three cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in Maryland residents. The Omicron variant was designated as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on Nov. 26. The variant’s presence in Maryland was confirmed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Public Health Laboratory, in collaboration with partner laboratories. All three of the cases announced today involve individuals from the Baltimore Metropolitan Region. Two cases are from the same household, including a vaccinated individual who recently traveled to South Africa and an unvaccinated person who was a close contact of that individual. One unrelated case involves a vaccinated individual with no known recent travel history. None of the three individuals are hospitalized. Comprehensive contact tracing efforts are already underway to ensure that potential close contacts are quickly identified, quarantined, and tested. “Thanks to our aggressive surveillance system, we have quickly identified the first cases of the Omicron variant in Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “We urge Marylanders to continue taking precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Getting a vaccine or a booster shot is the single most important thing that you can do to protect yourself and those around you. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to keep Marylanders updated as new information becomes available.” Earlier this week, the governor and state health officials outlined the state’s preparedness efforts for the Omicron variant, including further expanding variant surveillance and making free at-home rapid antigen tests available at the international terminal at BWI Airport. “Currently available PCR diagnostic tests and rapid antigen tests will detect COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Jinlene Chan. “In addition to getting booster shots, we strongly recommend that Marylanders who have recently returned from international travel or are symptomatic in any way get tested immediately.” Scientists at the federal and state levels are working with international partners to learn more about Omicron, including how transmissible it is; how severe the disease that it causes may be; and if the variant’s genetic changes will alter the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments such as monoclonal antibody infusions. The Omicron variant has now been reported in nearly 40 countries. The new variant was first identified in the United States on Dec. 1. Viruses constantly change, or mutate, and new variants of viruses are expected to occur over time. In addition to the Omicron variant, other such variants identified in Maryland include the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), and the Beta variant (B.1.351), both first identified in Maryland in January; the Gamma variant (P.1), first identified in Maryland in February; and the Delta variant (B.1.617.2), first identified in Maryland this spring. Of these variants, only Delta and Omicron are still considered variants of concern. Delta remains the dominant variant and represents more than 99% of circulating strains sequenced in both Maryland and the United States. The CDC tracks case counts of different virus strains identified in the United States on its website. COVID-19 information and resources are available at covidLINK.maryland.gov. COVID-19 data are available at coronavirus.maryland.gov.