Health officials say the Omicron variant has not yet been detected in Oregon. They are urging Oregonians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent illness. They also are emphasizing the importance of masking, social distancing and hygiene to stay safe.
Doctor Dean Sidelinger is the state epidemiologist:
“Omicron is reported to be more transmissible than the Delta variant as it’s quickly outcompeted Delta in South Africa, but we do not yet know how much more transmissible it is,” Sidelinger said. “We also don’t know how Omicron affects vaccine effectiveness against severe infection (hospitalization and death). The vaccines have remained highly effective against other variants, and we expect the same to be true with Omicron.”
Sidellinger said we’ll have more information on vaccine effectiveness against Omicron in the coming weeks. The World Health Organization has identified it as a variant of concern. It’s been found in more than a dozen countries.
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