The First Confirmed US Case of The Omicron Coronavirus Variant Has Just Been Found

Well, that didn’t last long…

Just last week we were just learning about the new variant that was running rampant in South Africa and while we knew it was only a matter of time before it made it to the US, we never expected it to be so soon.

Yes, the announcement was just made that the First Confirmed US Case of The Omicron Coronavirus Variant Has Been Found.

The US case was found in California and in a White House news briefing, Dr. Anthony Fauci said the case was in an individual who traveled from South Africa on November 22 and tested positive for Covid-19 on November 29.

Apparently that person is self-quarantining and close contacts have tested negative for the coronavirus so far.

It was also stated that the person was fully vaccinated and is experiencing “mild symptoms, which are improving at this point,” Fauci said.

I’ll admit, I am a bit freaked out about this new variant because we don’t know much about it. Like, do our vaccines even work against it?

As of now, President Biden has signed the official proclamation restricting travel from southern Africa that took effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, November 29.

The proclamation will apply to those who have been “physically present” in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the “14-day period preceding their entry, or attempted entry into the United States.”

The proclamation includes a list of those exempted from the new restrictions including citizens, lawful permanent residents, and noncitizens who are the spouse of a citizen or permanent resident.

The order will remain in effect until terminated by the President and will not apply to any flights scheduled to arrive in the US that departed prior to 12:01 a.m. ET Monday.

So, what do we do? We continue to be careful. Get vaccinated, wear your masks and stay away from those who are sick.

Photos courtesy of Deposit Photos.