Omicron Variant Update

Since 2019, the country and world have been dealing and battling with Covid-19. Now in 2022, Americans are still trying to figure out ways to stay safe from Covid-19, but specifically the new variant Omicron. This variant has been going through millions of people. Whether you have the vaccine or not, this variant can affect you. 

This variant was first found in Botswana in South Africa, on November 11 and 14 of 2021. CDC says, “On November 30, 2021, The United States designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern.” A variant of concern is a variant that has evidence of an increase in the severity of the virus/disease. 

Omicron has driven Covid-19 cases to all-time highs. The rise of Omicron was a shock to everyone. President Biden said that no one anticipated Omicron's fast rise. 

Doctor Fauci said that although this variant will reach “just about everybody,” vaccinated people are still much better off. 

The vaccine was very effective for the original variant and other variants; including Delta. However, CDC says, “breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.” If you are exposed to Omicron it is almost certain you will get it, even if vaccinated. Officials and scientists are all working hours on end trying to learn as much as possible about this new variant. 

Omicron is set aside from the other variants because it seems to have more mild symptoms. Fewer hospitalization cases.  The most common symptoms are sore throat, congestion, muscle aches, headache, and tiredness. Most describe it as feeling like cold symptoms. However, of course, there are still people who are vaccinated, are infected and get very sick.

New Jersey has been seeing almost 35,000 cases a day. Governor Phil Murphy redeclared a public health emergency on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. 

Just recently, the isolation period for Omicron was shortened. CDC updated its guidance by saying, “CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for five days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by five days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.” This was a big change to the original quarantine period of at least 10 days.

Evidence shows that the virus is spread very quickly before your symptoms even start and last a much shorter time period. Anyone unvaccinated, or has not received their booster that was exposed should quarantine for five days, followed by wearing a mask everywhere for another five days. 

The sudden rise of cases has caused concern for school faculty. Many schools decided to go virtual again in response to the multitude of cases, immediately following holiday break. There have also been some debates about masks. Some parents think schools should require N95 masks if they are staying in person. Evidence has shown that N95 masks protect you better than other masks. 

President Biden extended federal mask mandates through March of 2022. A federal mandate means people on trains, buses, or airplanes are required to wear a mask. This was extended until March in hopes to prevent less of the Omicron variant from spreading. Some states have put mask mandates back on for indoor places; however, that is decided by the governor of your state. 

Covid-19 changes so much day to day, you never will know what to expect next.