RICHMOND, Va. – The head of the Virginia Department of Health says the agency is monitoring local health districts but has yet to see any cases of the new Omicron coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) variant.
Dr. Norman Oliver says while the variant has yet to arrive in the United States, preparations are being made in advance to treat the mutation, which first surfaced in South Africa about ten days ago.
Oliver is urging anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to get the shot and is also recommending booster shots for added protection. He said little is known about the severity of the variant but the VDH is coordinating its efforts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In partnership with the Department of General Services’ Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, VDH will continue to actively monitor SARS-CoV-2 viral samples from throughout the Commonwealth to identify circulating and new variants. He said the agency also “will continue to work with our partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to remain informed on all variants.”
“Once again, we see how unpredictable viruses can be. Viruses change and mutate all the time, and as we learn more about this new variant, we need to continue taking precautions to reduce infections,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver. “We all want this pandemic to end. Please, if you haven’t been vaccinated already and are eligible, get vaccinated. And if you are eligible for a booster, please get your booster as soon as you can.”
Oliver also urged getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you have had a known exposure to someone with COVID-19.”
Virginians can find a testing location near them on the VDH COVID-19 Testing web page.
The level of community transmission in Virginia remains high.
Virginians who are eligible should get vaccinated if not already. Everyone in Virginia who is age 5 or older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine now. VDH also recommends that eligible individuals who are age 18 and older should receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. To find a location to get your vaccine, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov.