Omicron frenzy
Omicron is the latest coronavirus variant making headlines around the world, and there’s some good reasons why – such as the significant number of mutations on the virus’s signature “spike protein” and the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in South Africa, where the variant was first identified.
It will take several more weeks for scientists to assess whether omicron is actually more dangerous than previous versions of the virus. Regardless, we do know that the same strategies of masking, social distancing, testing, quarantine and isolation, hand hygiene and improved ventilation still work no matter the variant of concern. I know it sounds like a broken record at this point, but we really do have a lot of tools at our disposal, and I hope we continue to use them.
Stay safe,
– Elizabeth Fite, health care reporter, efite@timesfreepress.com