5 Cases Of Omicron Variant Found In New York, Gov. Hochul Says

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Five cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant have been confirmed in New York.

Four were reported in New York City and one in Suffolk County, Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a Thursday evening news conference.

New York State has confirmed five cases of the omicron variant.

Let me be clear: This is not cause for alarm. We knew this variant was coming and we have the tools to stop the spread.

Get your vaccine. Get your booster. Wear your mask.

— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 2, 2021

“While this may be highly transmissible, at least from the early evidence, and more information is still forthcoming, we want people to know that the early cases… are not life-threatening. They seem to be minor cases and that is a source of good news for us right now,” Hochul said.

A Minnesota resident who recently attended the Anime NYC convention at the Javits Center also tested positive for Omicron and experienced mild symptoms.

Officials are urging everyone who attended to get tested, wear masks and take precautions like social distancing.

COVID-19 Update: Researchers Say Omicron Variant Could Quickly Outpace Delta Variant In Cases Across U.S.

“We do anticipate there will be more cases, but to the extent that they are mild, we’ll address them. This is not cause for alarm. Again, it was foreseen ever since it was first reported out of South Africa,” said Hochul.

“I want all New Yorkers to know that their state government, in collaboration with our local governments, our cities and our counties, are prepared for this,” she added.

Hochul, Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi continue to urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated.

“We have a massive vaccination apparatus and that is by far our best capacity to protect everyone against this variant or any other form of COVID,” de Blasio said.

“Beyond that, masking and testing are important,” said Chokshi. “There are common sense precautions that we have seen have worked over the past two years. Stay home if you’re not feeling well, that includes mild symptoms… Hand washing, particularly important right now, as well.”

“It starts on the foundation of vaccination. New York City is in a good place, but we have to drive even further,” Chokshi added.

This news comes on the heels of de Blasio announced the city is imposing a vaccine mandate on employees of private schools, including Catholic schools and yeshivas.

The country’s first case of Omicron was confirmed in California on Wednesday.

Officials repeatedly warned that the new mutation would inevitably arrive in the Tri-State Area.

Though doctors are only to beginning to learn about the Omicron variant, they have said it could be highly transmissible. It reportedly first surfaced in Europe before being confirmed in South Africa.

The U.S. has since banned travel from eight countries in southern Africa.

Please stay with CBS2, CBSN New York and CBSNewYork.com for more on this developing story.

from CBS New York https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/12/02/5-cases-of-omicron-variant-found-in-new-york-gov-hochul-says/
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