KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The COVID-19 variant Omicron has been identified in Kalamazoo County, according to an announcement from County Health officials Monday.
The Kalamazoo County Health Department was notified of this discovery by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), who said the variant was found in six county residents.
“The confirmed presence of the Omicron variant in Kalamazoo County aligns with estimates that it has become the predominant COVID-19 variant in our region,” KCHCS Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton said in a statement. “We must vaccinate, boost, mask, and also test frequently.”
According to the CDC, the Omicron variant will likely spread more easily. How easily Omicron spreads compared to the Delta variant currently remains unknown.
The CDC expects that anyone with the Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or do not have symptoms.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.
Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, however, are likely to occur.
Officials say the following prevention strategies help reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus, prevent severe disease, and can help limit variants:
- 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, and 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 and notification to 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
COVID-19 rapid antigen testing and PCR testing are available to individuals of any age, regardless of symptoms. Readers can find a testing site by clicking here.
In addition, on Monday, Kalamazoo County Health officials also updated general guidelines for quarantining and isolation procedures.
More information on that update can be found here.
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Later on Monday, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) also announced that Omicron has been identified in one resident of Van Buren County.
“It was only a matter of time until the Omicron variant made its way to our district but the latest identification further emphasizes the importance of testing, especially after the holidays,” VBCDHD Health Officer Danielle Persky said. “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.”
The department recommends the same mitigation actions as the Kalamazoo County Health Department listed above.
To find a testing site in those areas, click here.
For more information, visit www.vbcassdhd.org.
