The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) has been notified of confirmed lab results indicating the presence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in a resident of Williamson County. Public health officials continue to warn the community in hopes that people get tested before gathering or traveling for the holidays.
The variant has been detected in multiple counties in Texas. Everyone should continue to take all precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones to prevent the spread of germs such as wearing masks, following social distancing practices, staying home if sick, getting fully vaccinated and receiving a vaccine booster. These protective measures also apply to those who were diagnosed with COVID-19 previously.
“Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging,” said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Local Health Authority and WCCHD Medical Director. “COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Everyone five years and older are encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated, and everyone ages 16 years and older should get a booster shot when eligible.”
Preliminary reports indicate the Omicron variant is a highly transmissible form of COVID-19. However, it is still too soon to know the severity of disease.
