San Joaquin County confirms first cases of COVID omicron strain, as surge takes hold
San Joaquin County has confirmed two cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant that poses the latest threat in the coronavirus pandemic.
County Public Health Services said in a news release Tuesday the county’s first cases of omicron were identified through genomic sequencing of test results from people who were positive for COVID-19.
The two individuals in San Joaquin County were fully vaccinated, but they had not received booster shots, the news release said.
The county’s first omicron cases did not come as a surprise to public health officials.
“With its fast transmission rates, we anticipated the omicron variant appearing locally,” said Dr. Maggie Park, who serves as public health officer for San Joaquin County. “That’s why we continue to encourage anyone who’s eligible to get vaccinated and get a booster — especially as people consider gathering for New Year’s.”
Stanislaus County has yet to confirm any cases of the omicron strain, which has spread rapidly internationally since it was first identified in South Africa in November.
State health officials are monitoring a new surge in COVID-19 infections in California as the highly contagious omicron variant grows dominant. Test positivity quadrupled in the past two weeks and the state Department of Public Health reported nearly 87,000 new cases in an update Tuesday that covered the four-day stretch from Christmas Eve to Monday.
In San Joaquin County, slightly more than 71% of residents eligible for COVID vaccines have been fully or partly vaccinated. Health experts have recommended booster shots because of omicron’s ability to infect vaccinated people.
Park also recommended that people reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by staying home if they have symptoms, getting tested before and after attending gatherings or traveling, and wearing a mask in indoor public settings.
San Joaquin County has information about testing, and COVID vaccinations for anyone ages 5 and older, at www.sjready.org. For residents of any county, appointments for COVID vaccinations can be made at myturn.ca.gov.
This story was originally published December 28, 2021 at 4:30 PM.
