Marin County has confirmed its first case of the COVID-19 omicron variant, warning residents of an omicron surge within weeks to come.
The person who tested positive for the new strain recently traveled to the East Coast and is fully vaccinated, but they've not received their booster shot. They are currently quarantining and has mild symptoms, public health officials said on Friday.
"This confirms what we expected," Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer, said in a press release. "Omicron is here, but we know what it takes. Getting a booster dose is the most important step. And stick with the steps that have protected us so far: get vaccinated, cover your face, ventilate rooms, and get tested often."
Health officials said research has shown that the initial vaccine doses are not enough to fully prevent infection of the new strain. In Marin County, 87% of residents are fully vaccinated. Almost half of the county’s eligible residents have been boosted.
Marin County officials have a set goal of providing booster shots to 75% of residents over the age of 55 by mid-January.
"Much remains to be learned about how Omicron behaves," Dr. Lisa Santora, Deputy Health Officer, said in the release. "Its unwelcome news at this stage in the pandemic, but we have a lot of control over our risk. We've benefitted from high vaccination rates so far, and we’ll continue to lean into the protection of vaccines to meet the next challenge. It's time to get boosted."
Marin health officials cautioned residents about an omicron surge in the Bay Area within the coming weeks, echoing their colleagues around the region. The new variant is less severe, not driving hospitalizations or causing death. But research indicates it is more transmissible.
Booster shots are available through local health care providers, pharmacies and Marin County Public Health clinics. County residents can check availability here.
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