DOWAGIAC, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to be found across Southwest Michigan.
On Monday, health officials in Cass County announced that the variant had been identified in one resident.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) of the discovery.
One case had already been identified in Van Buren County last week, the same day as the variant was found in Kalamazoo County.
“Although between Cass and Van Buren County there are now two Omicron variants identified, we can safely assume there are many others given the speed at which Omicron spreads,” VBCDHD health officer Danielle Persky said in a statement. “The latest identification further emphasizes the importance of testing, especially after the holidays. With limited testing availability, it is evermore important to keep wearing masks in public and self-quarantining if you have been exposed to COVID-19.”
According to the CDC, the Omicron variant will likely spread more easily. How easily Omicron spreads, compared to the Delta variant, remains unknown.
The CDC expects that anyone with the Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.
However, officials also noted that breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.
Health officials are again sharing the following tips to help reduce transmission:
- Vaccination (5 years and older) and Booster doses for those eligible
- Testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms, 5 days after being exposed to someone with COVID-19, especially before gatherings
- Mask wearing in public indoor spaces
- Social distancing from others
- Staying home if you are sick or have symptoms
- Isolation if you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms
- Notify your close contacts if you test positive
- Quarantine if you have been exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19
- Follow recommendations for traveling
Readers can find a testing site by clicking here. Two new free, rapid antigen COVID-19 testing sites are available in Cass and Van Buren County.
Testing site details are as follows:
CASS COUNTY
Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital, 420 W. High Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047
- Every Monday 7:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
- Every Wednesday 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
VAN BUREN COUNTY
Bangor High School Football Stadium Team Room (Drive-thru), 801 W. Arlington Street Bangor, MI 49013
- Every Tuesday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Every Thursday 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.vbcassdhd.org or www.
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