The Omicron Variant of the Coronavirus has been detected in Rhode Island. The State Health Department says the case was identified through the ongoing genomic surveillance program. The Governor is expected to announce a comprehensive set of actions to deal with the increased number of overall covid cases in the state.
“We fully expected that Omicron would eventually be detected in Rhode Island as it has been in our neighboring states. I want to be clear: Rhode Island is prepared. This is not cause for panic,” said Governor McKee. “Just like when the Delta variant was identified in Rhode Island, Rhode Islanders will come together to take the actions necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones. We know the best way to protect ourselves from Delta, Omicron or any other variant is to get vaccinated, get boosted, get tested and consider wearing a mask in crowded public places. I want to thank the staff at our State Health Lab who have been working diligently to sequence more test results than ever before. Together, we can keep each other safe and healthy throughout the holiday season.”
“Given the recent findings of the Omicron variant in our region, it is not at all surprising that we have identified this case in Rhode Island,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. “However, the identification of Omicron, coupled with the fact that people are moving indoors, underscores the need for Rhode Islanders to continue to protect themselves and their families. Vaccination, booster doses, mask wearing, testing, social distancing, and ventilation are all critical to minimizing the spread of any variant of COVID-19. In advance of the holidays, these measures are more important than ever.”
The Health Department says that the case is a person in their 20’s who lives in Providence County and had traveled to New York.
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