By The Leader Staff
Kings County health officials announce that new COVID-19 variant Omicron in Kings County

Kings County public health officials announced on December 28 that the COVID-19 Omicron variant has arrived in Kings County. They report that four Omicron variant cases were identified through whole-genome sequencing, a laboratory method used to determine a positive COVID-19 test variant.

Public Health staff are currently conducting case investigation and contact tracing efforts to determine how these individuals contracted the Omicron variant. 

“We want to stress the importance of protecting yourselves, your loved ones, and your community during these times, especially with the Holiday season among us, which includes practicing safe measures while gathering with family and friends,” said  Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) Assistant Health Director Heather Silva. “The best tools against COVID-19 are vaccination, masking, and isolating at home when you’re sick.”

KCDPH officials continue to stress the importance of wearing a face-covering when indoors in public buildings or businesses and when outdoors in crowds where physical distancing is not possible. For those who consider themselves at high risk for illness from COVID-19, precautions should be taken, and wearing a face-covering when in any public setting should be considered.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available for Kings County residents five and older, and appointments are available at www.vaccines.gov or https://myturn.ca.gov/, or by calling (833) 422-4255.

Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact their health care provider to get tested and immediately isolate themselves to protect others until cleared. Residents are urged to get vaccinated and continue practicing physical distancing, washing hands frequently, and wearing face coverings. Additionally, it is vital to speak with contact tracing representatives from KCDPH. They are helping to limit the spread of the very infectious COVID-19 variants.