FACTS ABOUT OMICRON AND COVID 19
- Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
- It is possible that people infected with COVID-19 may be infectious before showing symptoms. They can also be infectious and not show any symptoms (asymptomatic spread).
- Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others.
- Once a person with COVID-19 has been released from isolation and is no longer showing symptoms without the aid of medication (fever-reducers, cough suppressants), they are no longer considered able to spread the COVID-19 virus.
- Individuals who had COVID-19 can get it again and become infectious again.
- The COVID-19 virus can be acquired from contaminated surfaces, but this is not the primary way the virus spreads.
- The virus spread when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that have the virus in them.
A person can become
infected by:
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having small droplets and particles with the virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through sneezes or coughs.
- Touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have virus on them, such as from a cough, sneeze or contaminated surface.
- spread of the virus happens among close contacts through respiratory droplets.
- The Omicron variant has many mutations of the spike protein. This is the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells and reproduce.
- Clinical information suggests that Omicron may be more transmissible than other variants. US CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or do not have symptoms.
- it does not seem to pose a higher risk of death or hospitalization for fully vaccinated individuals.
- Early clinical information suggests that the Omicron variant does not pose a higher risk of death or hospitalization for fully vaccinated individuals.
- Just like other COVID-19 variants, unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk of death or hospitalization.
- Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with Omicron variant. Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.
- With other variants, like Delta, vaccines remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
- both common antigen tests, like the BinaxNOW test, and molecular tests can identify cases of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant. Those tests will not tell you if you have the Omicron variant, but they will tell you if you have COVID-19.
- The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated. If it has been six months since your final dose of Pfizer or Moderna
- Wear face coverings in public indoor places. When possible, open windows to promote air flow. Gather outdoors when possible. Stay home and avoid others if you feel sick.
- COVID- most commonly spreads between people through respiratory droplets or small particles like aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.
- Because it helps contain respiratory droplets, wearing a face covering has been proven to be one of the most significant, effective, and easiest ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Individuals who are close contacts of a person with COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 should wear a face covering when around other people for 10 days.
- CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people wear a face covering in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. US CDC guidance recommends that unvaccinated people age 5 and older wear face coverings while in indoor public settings.
- CDC requires that people wear face coverings in all forms of public transportation, such as planes, buses, and trains. US CDC specifically recommends that people wear face coverings in healthcare settings and in congregate living settings like jails and shelters
- You are considered fully vaccinated after at least 14 days following the completion of your COVID-19 vaccination series.
- The CDC recommends that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine.
- At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine is recommended for children 5 to 11 years of age.
- At this time, all children ages 5 to 17 years may receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
- Businesses and other organizations may adopt policies for their employees or clients that require wearing a face covering, require vaccination, or require proof of vaccination to avoid wearing a face covering.
- CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
- If you have a complaint about how a business is handling COVID-19 prevention recommendations, first contact the management of the business to discuss your concerns.
- If you believe the situation poses a public health risk, contact your local health officer
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc.) daily using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
