Omicron variant COVID infection confirmed in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Department of Health’s Public Health Laboratory has State’s first case of omicron variant COVID-19 found, according to an MDH press release.
A Minnesota resident, who recently traveled to New York City, was found to be infected with this variant, the MDH variant monitoring program discovered.
The Minnesota resident is a vaccinated male who lives in Hennepin County and had mild symptoms on November 22. This person was tested on November 24 and is no longer symptomatic. Residents attended the Anime NYC 2021 conference from November 19-21. Minnesota epidemiologists are collaborating with the investigation with New York City and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The United States reported First case of infectious omicron variant in California on Wednesday.
Although classified as a worrisome variant by the World Health Organization, more research is being done to see how the omicron compares to the delta variant and responds to vaccination and preventive measures. other prevention against COVID-19.
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Health officials encourage steps to protect against COVID-19 such as getting vaccines and boosters, wearing masks indoors and in crowded places, getting tested if you have symptoms or are exposed to the virus, stay home when sick, wash your hands often, avoid crowds, improve ventilation in your home, and be extra cautious if you live with or with other people with medical conditions.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, Minnesota’s leading national sequencing infrastructure and robust testing network have enabled the state to rapidly track the COVID-19 virus and better understand its its spread. Today, those tools detected a case of the Omicron variant in Minnesota,” Governor Tim Walz said in the release. “This news is disturbing, but it is not a surprise. We know that this virus is highly infectious and moves quickly around the world. Minnesotans know what to do to keep each other safe – get vaccinated, get tested, wear masks indoors, and get booster shots. Together, we can fight this virus and help keep Minnesotans safe.”