District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) reports their first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in a resident residing in Newaygo County.   

 

According to the CDC, the Omicron variant is concerning because it will likely spread more easily. How easily Omicron spreads, compared to the Delta variant, 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.  

 

“While one case may seem low, the possibility for this variant to spread quickly is much higher,” says Kevin Hughes, Health Officer of DHD#10. “Unfortunately, at home test kits cannot tell us whether or not an individual has the Omicron variant, so we need to remain vigilant in testing, vaccination, and following recommended guidelines.”  

 

For those wanting to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, booster dose and/or flu shot, please visit www.dhd10.org/schedule or call 888-217-3904. If no appointments are available, consider going to a pharmacy or your primary health care provider.  

 

DHD#10 is also hosting COVID-19 and Flu vaccine clinics at various locations throughout our jurisdiction. Find a clinic near you at www.dhd10.org/events or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DHD10/events.   

 

For those needing a COVID-19 test, DHD#10 is hosting testing clinics at various locations throughout the jurisdiction. Find a testing site near you at www.dhd10.org/covid19-testing-clinics. You do not need to be a resident to get tested at any of these clinics. COVID-19 testing also takes place at most pharmacies, urgent cares, and your primary health care provider’s office.  

 

Please note that some clinics may be cancelled due to inclement weather, so check back often to be sure clinics are occurring.  

 

DHD#10 does not supply COVID-19 at-home tests; however, test kits are available at most pharmacies. Be sure to call your pharmacy ahead of time, as demand is high. If you have a positive COVID-19 at-home test kit, please report it here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6055601/3a61f0729898   

 

Employers are critical to our understanding of outbreaks. If you are an employer and would like to report a positive test result from your organization, please do so at: covidreporting@dhd10.org.   

 

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.dhd10.org/coronavirus.