Omicron
We are still
learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects
individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines.
• This new variant has many mutations in important areas of
the virus that impact infectiousness and the ability for immune systems to
protect from infection. Some of the mutations are concerning to scientists
because they are very different from other variants previously detected, and
some are similar.
• We do not know at this time if this new variant causes
more severe COVID-19 illness than other variants or how it might impact
response to treatment.
There are four
specific actions that can be taken to help slow the spread of COVID-19,
including the Omicron variant.
• Get Vaccinated:
Vaccination will
protect you and those you love.
Those over the
age of 18 who are at least six months since last does of Pfizer or Moderna, or
at least two months since J&J, are eligible for a booster
• Wear Masks:
Everyone wears masks in indoor public places (such as grocery
stores and movie theatres) regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are required in indoor public places for everyone who is not
fully vaccinated. More restrictive local and workplace rules may apply.
Everyone must wear a mask on public transit (airports, planes,
trains, buses, stations) and in healthcare settings, schools, childcare
settings, correctional facilities, cooling centers, and shelters.
Get Tested:
You should immediately get tested for COVID-19 if you are feeling
any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status.
COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold (including just “the
sniffles”), seasonal allergies, or flu. COVID-19 testing is free to anyone who
needs it.
Stay Home if Sick: Stay home if you are feeling sick.
High-quality masks (N95s and KN95s preferred):provide better protection than surgical masks. Cloth masks do not provide good protection against omicron (but it’s better to wear a cloth mask than no mask).
Treatment options are limited. Most
of the monoclonal antibodies that worked against other variants have not worked
for omicron. There are other antivirals coming, but while they may help prevent
severe infection, they don’t lessen transmission.
If you are exposed (within 6 feet
of someone with COVID-19 for over 15 minutes in a 24hr period) and you are
boosted, you are not required to quarantine, but must wear a mask and monitor
for symptoms for 10 days.
If you are unvaccinated, or vaccinated
and eligible for a booster but have not received a booster, you must quarantine
for 5 days. In either case, a NAAT/PCR test is recommended at day 5, or sooner
if symptoms develop.
If you are COVID-19 positive,
isolate for 5 full days with strict mask wearing for the rest of the 10 days
(day 0 is day of symptom onset, or day of positive test if no symptoms).
If unable to wear a well-fitting mask, isolate
for a full 10 days.
