The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant first detected in Africa. The variant has not yet been detected in Georgia.
“[The] DPH is aware of and is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron,” says District 2 Public Health Public Information Officer Natasha Young. “We will keep you updated as new information becomes available. Testing and vaccination [are] still the most important ways to reduce community spread. District 2 Public Health encourages anyone who is aged 5 and older to become fully vaccinated and if eligible, get a booster dose.”
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Scientists are currently studying the Omicron variant to determine how it spreads, whether or not it causes more severe illness and how well the current COVID-19 vaccines protect against it. Cases caused by the Omicron variant have been identified in South Africa, Hong Kong, Israel and Belgium.
“What is known is that COVID vaccination helps stop transmission of infection which prevents new variants from emerging,” Kathleen Toomey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, said in a press release. “Vaccination is more important than ever with the emergence of this new variant and the holidays just around the corner.”
Individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should get tested.
D2PH testing locations are available in Forsyth, Franklin, Hall, Lumpkin and Union Counties. For hours and addresses, click here. To find a COVID vaccine location near you, check out the DPH website at dph.ga.gov.
The DPH will continue to monitor information about Omicron and provide updates as new information becomes available.
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