On November 24, a new variant of Covid-19 — Omicron — was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). First detected in specimens collected on November 11 in Botswana, the WHO classified the variant as a Variant of Concern (VOC) on November 26.
On December 10, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that there have been eleven cases of Omicron identified among Connecticut residents, four men and five women aged 20 to 85. Among the infected were residents of Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield counties, eight of whom were fully vaccinated. Specimen collection released by the Yale School of Public Health dates the spread from November 28 to December 7. Generally, Covid cases have been increasing statewide, with the most current CDPH data showing that there has been an 8.3% increase in positive cases, with hospitalization rates up almost 30% since April of 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has little information so far on how rapidly the Omicron variant spreads and how to best mitigate it. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths from the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections — which happen after a person is fully vaccinated — are more likely to occur from infection with the Omicron strain than the original Covid-19 virus. CDC data recorded that as of December 10, 79% of those who have contracted the Omicron variant are fully vaccinated. Furthermore, 14 of those who contracted Omicron received their booster dose, and five of those with the booster received it more than two weeks prior to being infected.
According to the CDC, more than 25% of vaccinated people in Connecticut have received booster shots, with local vaccine providers advocating that all who are eligible get their booster shots to increase immunity. On December 10, Dr. Ashley Losier, a clinician administering Pfizer booster shots at the New Haven Public Library stated, “It is important now more than ever that people over the ages of 18 get booster shots. With the new variants, you may never know who has symptoms or not.” As of December 10, booster shots are available for people 16 years and older. She continued, “There are many locations in which you can get them for free.” Local residents can get their free booster shot at New Haven Public Library, Jackie Robinson Park, Trumbull Mall, Waterbury, CT, and Bradley Airport, and should check the ct.gov webpage to see when clinics are open.
In a December 4 press release, Governor Ned Lamont said, “We have life-saving tools like vaccines and boosters available to fight this pandemic — including the Delta and Omicron variants — and I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and everyone around them.”
