The newest variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has now become the dominant one in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Dec. 20, the health agency announced omicron now makes up 73% of new cases in the country, surpassing the delta variant.
In Georgia, the latest report said, genomic sequencing for the week ending Dec. 4 still showed the delta variant as dominant and responsible for 98% of new cases. However, the report said the B.1.1.529 variant is spreading faster than any previous variant. GDPH said it is likely that the current proportion of the omicron variant in the state is similar to the national estimate and will account for all new cases in the coming weeks.
South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control is not reporting any new cases of the omicron variant since the three cases in Charleston County were reported a week ago. Based on the CDC report, the agency anticipates the Palmetto State will see a similar increase in the latest variant.
“There is some limited evidence that suggests Omicron may not cause as severe of illness as delta and other variants, but I think the verdict is still out on this,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC’s public health director. “I just don’t think we have enough information and data to say that for certain. But even if it isn’t as severe, we do know it is spreading much more quickly and it can still become a major problem just based on the number of cases.”
DHEC is also concerned about a spike in flu cases in the state. The report for the week ending Dec. 11 showed 775 lab-confirmed flu cases, which the agency called “widespread flu activity.”
“While last year may have been an anomaly due to COVID-19, this year’s numbers are still significantly higher than numbers we saw pre-pandemic,” said Dr. Jane Kelly, DHEC’s assistant state epidemiologist. “We know there have been talks of a ‘twin-demic’ with COVID-19 and the flu and that’s the last thing we want to see in South Carolina and throughout the rest of nation. So, we strongly encourage all eligible people to get their flu shots, as well as their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.”
The rapid spread of the omicron variant prompted the White House to announce additional efforts to increase the number of people who are fully vaccinated and have had booster shots.
“We have added 10,000 new vaccination sites on top of the 80,000 sites that we already had in place and even more open in January,” said President Biden during remarks made on Dec. 21. “So, starting this week, I’ll be deploying hundreds more vaccinators and more sites to help get the booster shots in people’s arms. I’ve ordered FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency to stand up new pop-up vaccination clinics all across the country where you can get that booster shot and today, I’m directing FEMA stand up new sites in areas where there is a high demand.”
A day prior to the President’s address, Moderna released preliminary data that showed an increase in the effectiveness of its vaccine following booster shots.
“The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorized Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralizing antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring,” said Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna. “To respond to this highly transmissible variant, Moderna will continue to rapidly advance an Omicron-specific booster candidate into clinical testing in case it becomes necessary in the future.”
Pfizer announced on Dec. 8 that a booster dose of its vaccine increased antibody response 25-fold.
“Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with a third dose of our vaccine,” said Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla.
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In addition to getting vaccinated and booster shots, health departments advise testing prior to traveling or attending large gatherings for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays considering the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
Before travel, consider testing. For local travel testing: Call 706-721-1852 to schedule a travel test. Or register online here.
Augusta University Health is partnering with the Georgia Department of Public Health and LTS to provide COVID-19 Testing to the CSRA area. Drive-thru testing will be available Monday to Friday, 9 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Annex II, 524 15th St., Augusta, Ga. 30901
Travelers are facing an assortment of testing requirements depending on where and how they will travel and then return home.
The CDC recently updated its requirement for people traveling internationally by air prior to returning home.
All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country at or after 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.
The health agency also updated the advisory for cruise ship passengers.
There is also a link to review travel recommendation by destination.
A separate link provided by the U.S. State Dept. has updated information for every country.
Travelers are advised to check with their airline or cruise line for any testing requirements they have instituted.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
